In a compelling display of explosive batting, Sanju Samson achieved his maiden T20 International century, propelling India to an astronomical total of 297 for 6 in just 20 overs. This score stands not only as India’s highest in T20I history but also as the second-highest in the annals of international cricket, trailing only Nepal’s 314 for 3. Samson’s scintillating innings of 111 runs off a mere 47 deliveries was instrumental in helming India’s triumph, superbly complemented by Suryakumar Yadav’s brisk knock of 75 from 35 balls. Their collaboration, which amounted to an impressive 173 runs partnership off just 69 balls, laid a formidable foundation for the hosts.
Hardik Pandya and Riyan Parag added their own fiery contributions with exhilarating cameos, scoring 47 off 18 balls and 34 off 13 balls, respectively, to push India’s total further beyond reach. The Indian innings were marked by a dazzling array of boundaries, accumulating 25 fours accompanied by 22 mammoth sixes, an exhibition of sheer fireworks on a festive cricket night in Hyderabad.
Opting to bat after winning the toss, India displayed initial caution, posting a modest seven runs in the first over. However, the tempo soon accelerated as Samson unleashed a barrage of four consecutive boundaries against Taskin Ahmed, setting the aggressive tone for the innings. Despite a minor setback when Tanzim Hasan snagged Abhishek Sharma, inducing a mistimed pull to mid-wicket, the momentum swung back India’s way with Suryakumar Yadav seizing the moment with a six to announce his arrival at the crease.
As the PowerPlay concluded, India had already amassed a hefty 82 for 1. With fielding restrictions lifted, Samson’s ferocity remained unabated. He reached his half-century in just 22 deliveries, pulverizing Rishad Hossain in a 16-run over, and continued his onslaught against Mustafizur Rahman with another soaring six over extra cover. Rishad Hossain’s second over was particularly punishing, as Samson dispatched five successive sixes, netting a staggering 30 runs from it. Adding to Bangladesh’s woes, Taskin Ahmed’s errant beamer was met with a punishing six by Suryakumar, securing their 150-run partnership.
Samson’s century was an exhibition in high-octane cricket, marked by a sublime shot over Mahedi’s head off a mere 40 balls.
. Although his innings ended shortly after, his impactful run set the stage for Suryakumar’s departure in the subsequent over, caught by Mahmudullah at deep mid-wicket. What followed was an unrelenting assault, as Pandya and Parag continued their exploits against Bangladesh’s relentless bowling. In an innings marred by missed opportunities and shoddy fielding, including two missed run-outs, Bangladesh’s ordeal was further compounded by Parag’s boundary shove that ended with a foot on the ropes, adding another six to India’s commanding scoreline.
Bangladesh’s pursuit of the mammoth total faltered from the outset. Mayank Yadav struck gold with the first ball, dismissing Parvez Hossain Emon, caught by Parag at first slip. Despite Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tanzid Hasan’s spirited attempts to wrestle back control, they managed only intermittent bursts of aggression before Tanzid was caught by Washington Sundar, and Shanto succumbed to Ravi Bishnoi’s guile, swept up in a reverse sweep attempt gone awry.
Bangladesh found temporary solace as Towhid Hridoy and Litton Das shared a resilient 53-run stand. Litton’s five-boundary blitz off local player Nitish Singh provided a glimmer of hope that was quickly extinguished when he was caught by Tilak Varma. The veterans’ innings, including Mahmudullah’s subdued farewell of eight runs, stuttered as India’s disciplined bowling attack tightened its grip. Varun Chakravarthy’s economical spell, yielding merely 23 runs off four overs, amplified the mounting pressure. Bishnoi and Singh joined the wicket-taking fray, systematically dismantling any semblance of a fightback.
Despite Hridoy’s valiant unbeaten 63, Bangladesh’s campaign fizzled out at 164 for 7, nowhere near close enough to threaten India’s towering score. With this resounding victory cemented by a win margin of 133 runs, India completed a comprehensive series sweep of 3-0, marking a particularly memorable close to Mahmudullah’s distinguished T20I career. As the series draws to a close, India’s performance in Hyderabad will be remembered as a testament to their burgeoning prowess in the shortest format of the game.