In a scintillating display of batting prowess, Sanju Samson smashed his maiden T20I century, propelling India to an imposing total of 297 for 6, marking their highest-ever score in T20 international matches and trailing only Nepal’s 314 for 3 in overall records. The explosive innings staged by Samson, who scored a stunning 111 off only 47 balls, played a pivotal role in setting up a comprehensive 133-run victory over Bangladesh, sealing a 3-0 series sweep for the Indians. Under the floodlights of a vibrant Hyderabad venue, Samson was brilliantly supported by Suryakumar Yadav, who crafted a rapid 75 off only 35 balls, as both batsmen orchestrated a remarkable 173-run partnership off just 69 balls.
Batting first after opting to take advantage of the flat track, India began cautiously in the opening over, accumulating just seven runs — the only quiet spell in an otherwise rumbustious batting display. The hosts switched gears swiftly in the following over when Samson blazed away with four consecutive boundaries against Taskin Ahmed, setting the tone for what would be a record-setting performance. Tanzim Hasan briefly altered the momentum by dismissing Abhishek Sharma with a well-directed short ball that sent the opener back to the pavilion. However, Suryakumar Yadav immediately made his intentions clear by hitting a huge six, kickstarting his innings with authority.
By the end of the PowerPlay, India had reached a commanding position at 82 for 1, thanks to a destructive 19-run takedown of Tanzim Hasan Sakib. With the field restrictions lifted, the floodgates opened further for India. Samson rapidly brought up his half-century off just 22 deliveries, targeting Rishad Hossain in an expensive 16-run over and executing a spectacular shot over extra cover against Mustafizur Rahman. The assault on Rishad continued unabated in his second over, with Samson hammering five consecutive sixes in a 30-run over, leaving Bangladesh in tatters. In no time, Samson reached his century off a mere 40 balls, launching one more delivery over Mahedi’s head for four.
Samson’s scintillating innings came to an end shortly afterward, as he fell victim to a miscued shot to deep-square leg. Suryakumar Yadav departed soon after, falling to Mahmudullah at deep mid-wicket.
. Despite these setbacks, India’s momentum remained unbroken as Hardik Pandya and Riyan Parag made dynamic contributions towards the end of the innings. Pandya pummeled a rapid 47 off 18 balls, while Parag chipped in with 34 off 13 balls, culminating in a fireworks display with India eventually reaching 297 with a whopping 25 fours and 22 sixes in the innings.
Bangladesh, facing the daunting task of chasing 298 in their veteran player Mahmudullah’s final T20I match, crumbled under pressure. Their innings was off to a rocky start, as Mayank Yadav dismissed Parvez Hossain Emon in his very first delivery, caught by Parag at slip. Although Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tanzid Hasan tried to counter-attack, mounting a quick 30-run partnership across two overs, the onslaught was short-lived as Tanzid fell to Washington Sundar, caught at short third-man.
Litton Das provided some resistance, finding a rhythm with five boundaries in a single over off homeboy Nitish Reddy, but efficacy was lacking from the other end, as Shanto fell prematurely to a reverse sweep off Ravi Bishnoi during a wicket-maiden over. While Towhid Hridoy and Litton attempted to salvage the innings with a 53-run partnership, Litton succumbed to a catch in the deep by Tilak Varma, leaving Hridoy as the lone warrior. Mahmudullah, in his swansong, contributed just 8 before being dismissed. The Indian bowling lineup, featuring an economical spell from Varun Chakravarthy, kept Bangladesh pegged back, as the required run-rate veered out of reach. Bishnoi and Reddy picked up crucial wickets, eventually restricting Bangladesh to a paltry 164 for 7 in their 20 overs. Despite Towhid Hridoy’s valiant unbeaten effort, the visitors stood no chance against an Indian side riding high on confidence and momentum.
The remarkable victory not only highlighted Sanju Samson’s exceptional ability to decimate bowling attacks but also reiterated India’s dominance in the T20 format. As the dust settled, the resounding series win was celebrated by a jubilant crowd, setting the stage for a promising outlook for Indian cricket in the shortest format of the game.