India equal Pakistan’s T20I record after emphatic win over Bangladesh

Team India cruised to a dominant seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first T20I in Gwalior on Sunday, October 6, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. All-rounder Hardik Pandya shone with the bat after India’s bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy, restricted Bangladesh to a modest 127 in 19.5 overs, each claiming three wickets.

India’s victory extended their unbeaten streak to eight matches and marked their 20th win in the last 21 T20Is. Their sole defeat since December 2023 came at the hands of Zimbabwe in Harare a few months ago. In addition, this comprehensive win allowed India to equal a long-standing T20I record previously held solely by Pakistan—bowling out their opponents the most times in the format. India and Pakistan have now both bowled out their opponents 42 times in T20Is.

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After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav’s decision paid dividends as his bowlers wreaked havoc. Arshdeep Singh (3/20) and Varun Chakravarthy (3/18) spearheaded the attack, dismantling Bangladesh's batting lineup and limiting them to a below-par score.

Chasing 128 for victory, India's top order provided a solid start. Sanju Samson (29 off 19) and Abhishek Sharma (16 off 7) gave India the required momentum before skipper Suryakumar Yadav added a brisk 29 from just 14 balls. Hardik Pandya completed the job in style with a quick-fire 39* off 16 balls, featuring five boundaries and two sixes, sealing the win in just 12 overs.

India will look to secure the series in the second T20I, which takes place on October 9 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.