Defeat to India turns Pakistan match into a semifinal for Bangladesh

The much-anticipated Super Four clash between India and Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium carried huge hype. It was the first meeting between the two neighbors after significant political changes, making the game a talking point even before a ball was bowled. But the contest fell far short of expectations, as Bangladesh suffered a one-sided defeat that once again exposed their familiar failures in batting, planning, and mentality.

Winning the toss and opting to bowl is a trademark Bangladeshi move. But against India, such a familiar choice turned into a dangerous gamble.

India’s openers—Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill—set the tone with a blazing 77-run partnership off just 38 balls. While Gill departed, Abhishek played a stunning 37-ball 75.

Bangladesh’s bowlers looked clueless early on but tried to claw back in the middle overs. The turning point came when Mustafizur Rahman dismissed Suryakumar Yadav with a brilliant off-cutter. That wicket not only gave Bangladesh some hope but also took Mustafizur to a personal milestone—150 T20 wickets, surpassing Shakib Al Hasan to become Bangladesh’s leading wicket-taker in the format.

India, who looked set for 200 after the first 10 overs, were restricted to 168/6, thanks to a late fightback. Hardik Pandya’s handy 38 ensured India still posted a challenging total.

Chasing 169, Bangladesh never looked in the contest. Tanzid Hasan Tamim fell for 1, and the collapse followed—Towhid Hridoy (7), Shamim Hossain (0), Jaker Ali (4), Saifuddin (4), Rishad Hossain (2), Tanzim Sakib (0). Their irresponsible batting made it seem as if they were only out there to register appearances, not to fight.

The only resistance came from Saif Hassan, who anchored one end with a fighting 69 off 51 balls, hitting 5 sixes and 3 fours. But once he departed at 116, the innings folded quickly. Bangladesh were all out for 127, losing by 41 runs.

This defeat has raised questions not just about performance but also about planning and mentality. Against a powerhouse like India, victory requires fearless batting, smart fielding, and clever bowling. Bangladesh showed none of the first, a little of the second, and flashes of the third late in the innings.

The batting lineup lacked consistency, the middle order lacked responsibility, and the top order lacked resilience. Winning matches—let alone competing—becomes nearly impossible this way.

Still, there were some positives. Mustafizur Rahman became Bangladesh’s most successful T20 bowler with 150 wickets in 118 matches. Rishad Hossain impressed with two wickets, while Nasum Ahmed and Tanzim Sakib bowled well in the middle overs. But their efforts were overshadowed by the batting collapse.

This match was a stark reminder that one or two individual performances cannot win games. Saif Hassan’s innings and Mustafizur and Rishad’s efforts were commendable, but Bangladesh failed as a team.

Losing to India is not unusual, but losing without putting up a fight was disappointing. With just one Super Four match left, Bangladesh must beat Pakistan tomorrow to reach the final. For that, the Tigers need not only better performances but also a change in mindset and confidence.