Rishabh Pant's roaring fifty, Hardik Pandya's all-round heroics sink Bangladesh by 60 runs as India warm up for T20 World Cup in style

Team India put on a dominant display in their T20 World Cup warm-up match, thrashing Bangladesh by a convincing 60 runs on Saturday, June 1, in New York. This all-round performance serves as a major confidence boost for the Men in Blue as they gear up for their World Cup opener against Ireland on June 5. Batting first India posted a big total of 182/5. In reply, Bangladesh crumbled under pressure and were folded for 122/9.

India's batting lineup put on a strong showing, thanks in large part to a blistering fifty from Rishabh Pant (53 off 32) and a crucial 40-run cameo from vice-captain Hardik Pandya. Their efforts propelled India to a competitive total of 182 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. India's bowlers then took control, putting on a disciplined display to restrict Bangladesh to a mere 122 runs. Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Dube emerged as the bowling heroes, each claiming two wickets. This stellar bowling performance ensured a convincing 60-run victory for India.

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Arshdeep Singh takes center stage

Leading the bowling attack, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh silenced any doubts about his form. He struck early in the powerplay, dismissing both Soumya Sarkar and Litton Das. This early pressure put Bangladesh on the back foot, with Mohammed Siraj claiming the wicket of skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto soon after.  Bangladesh found themselves in a precarious position at 10 for 3 within the first 4 overs. The combination of a slow pitch and a sluggish outfield further hampered Bangladesh's scoring efforts.  The Indian bowlers exploited these conditions effectively, displaying excellent control and variation. Shivam Dube chipped in with a crucial two-wicket haul, further limiting Bangladesh's chances.

Mahmudullah's token resistance

While Bangladesh's batting performance was largely disappointing, a lone bright spot came from a defiant knock by Mahmudullah Riyaz.  He remained unbeaten on 40 runs, but his efforts could only manage to reduce the margin of defeat. Shakib Al Hasan also chipped in with a 28-run contribution, but their partnership came too late to truly challenge India's dominance.

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A Confidence Boost for India

This convincing victory serves as a significant confidence booster for India as they head into their World Cup opener against Ireland.  The match also highlighted the contrast between India's powerful batting display, led by Pant and Hardik Pandya, and Bangladesh's struggles.  While Bangladesh will need to address their batting woes before the tournament begins, India can take heart from their all-around performance and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

Pant shines in India's T20 World Cup Warm-up win

Earlier, Rishabh Pant's impressive knock in India's warm-up match against Bangladesh solidified his claim for playing XI in the T20 World Cup. Returning from a horrific car accident in December 2022, Pant displayed remarkable form, scoring a fluent fifty (53 runs off 32 balls) and guiding his team to a competitive total of 182 for 5 wickets. Pant's performance comes at a crucial time as he competes with Sanju Samson for the coveted wicketkeeper-batter slot.  While Samson, who had a strong IPL season, was dismissed cheaply for 1 run, Pant seized the opportunity.  His knock on a slightly slow pitch showcased his ability to adapt and thrive under pressure. Despite Samson's early dismissal, India managed to put up a decent total thanks to contributions from other batsmen. Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with a quickfire 31 runs in just 18 balls, while Hardik Pandya provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 40 runs off 23 balls, including four mighty sixes.

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However, the spotlight belonged to Pant.  He continued the fine form he displayed during IPL 2024, where he amassed 287 runs for Delhi Capitals.  His batting showcased his signature style – unorthodox yet effective.  Fans were treated to his trademark flicks and one-handed sixes, leaving the Bangladeshi bowlers helpless. Pant's fifty, which included two consecutive sixes off the experienced Shakib Al Hasan, came in just 32 balls before he opted to retire, giving other players a chance to bat.  While there were some hiccups with Shivam Dube's dismissal, Pandya's late surge ensured India ended the innings on a strong note.

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