Dubai: Much like the incredible Mondo Duplantis in pole-vault, the Indian T20 cricket team continues to set new benchmarks with each performance. Their dominance in the shortest format since their 2024 World Cup victory is undeniable, boasting an impressive record of 21 wins against only three losses. Their latest triumph came against Bangladesh in a thrilling Super 4 Asia Cup encounter at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday.
India’s formidable bowling attack ultimately secured the victory, after Bangladesh initially put up a spirited fight to limit the World Champions to a total of 168/6. Led by outstanding performances from Kuldeep Yadav (3-18), Jasprit Bumrah (2-18), and Varun Chakravarthy (2-29), the Indian bowlers tore through Bangladesh’s batting lineup, dismissing them for just 127 and sealing a convincing 41-run win.
Despite a commendable effort from opener Saif Hassan, who was dropped four times (including twice in one over from Chakravarthy) and top-scored with 69 runs, hitting five sixes—the most by any Bangladeshi batter—Bangladesh couldn’t keep pace. India’s fielding, however, left much to be desired with five dropped catches causing visible frustration for the coaching staff. Besides Hassan, only Parvez Hossain Emon (21) managed to cross into double figures for the Tigers.
This victory propelled India directly into the championship final, while Bangladesh now faces a crucial virtual semifinal against Pakistan on Thursday to determine the other finalist.
Earlier in the match, India’s openers, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, started with an explosive display, accumulating 72 runs during the powerplay. However, Bangladesh’s leg-spinner Rishad Hossain spearheaded a spirited fightback that shifted the momentum.
Initially, Bangladesh’s bowlers managed to contain the dynamic Indian opening pair. Uncharacteristically, the first boundary of the innings didn’t arrive until the tenth ball, a fortunate four through the offside from Abhishek, bowled by left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed.
Abhishek Sharma was granted an early lifeline on seven runs when Jaker Ali, Bangladesh’s stand-in wicketkeeper and captain, dropped a challenging catch off Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Not long after, Shubman Gill decided to accelerate, hitting Nasum for a six and a four in the fourth over. This aggressive play saw the Punjab duo rack up 55 runs between the third and sixth overs, propelling India to 72 by the end of the powerplay—their highest score in this phase of the tournament to date.
India seemed to be cruising comfortably at 96/1 at the halfway stage, but their momentum was halted following Gill’s dismissal for 29 runs (19 balls, including two fours and a six) in the seventh over. The Indian Test captain fell victim to Rishad, miscuing a lofted shot directly to Tanzim at long-off. The strategic decision to promote Shivam Dube up the order proved unsuccessful as he departed for just two runs in the ninth over, becoming Rishad’s second victim. The leg-spinner then created a pivotal moment with an exceptional runout of Abhishek Sharma at backward point.
Abhishek, who had been in magnificent form, hitting five sixes and six boundaries on his way to a brilliant 37-ball 75, was run out while attempting a quick single. Captain Suryakumar Yadav sent him back, but Rishad, positioned at backward point, made an acrobatic dive to his right and unleashed a direct throw to bowler Mustafizur Rahman, catching the opener short of his crease. With this stellar performance, Abhishek became the first Indian batter since Virat Kohli to register consecutive half-centuries in the Asia Cup.
Bangladesh’s fielding was exceptionally sharp, their athletic efforts likely saving them between 10 to 15 runs. Abhishek’s dismissal was a game-changer, dramatically shifting the momentum. India, who had appeared poised for a score well over 200, subsequently struggled in the middle overs.