Tigers' World Cup preparations ended with a loss to India

In their final preparation match before the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, Bangladesh faced a challenging target of 183 runs to defeat India. The match started disastrously for Bangladesh, with early dismissals of Soumya Sarkar and Najmul Hossain Shanto for ducks. Liton Das also failed to contribute, and Bangladesh found themselves reeling at 41 for 5. Despite a resilient partnership between experienced players Mahmudullah Riyad and Shakib Al Hasan, their efforts were insufficient, leading to a 62-run defeat.

Rohit Sharma’s team dominated, using this match to finalize their World Cup preparations. India set a formidable total of 182 runs, driven by the aggressive batting of Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya. In response, the Bangladeshi batters could only muster 120 runs, failing to rise to the challenge.

Chasing a massive target of 183, Bangladesh's innings began poorly. In the very first over, opener Soumya Sarkar was dismissed. Arshdeep Singh's rising delivery caught the edge of Soumya's bat, and Rishabh Pant took the catch behind the stumps. Soumya returned to the pavilion without scoring. Liton Das, who batted at number three due to the opening pair of Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar, also struggled. He faced only eight balls and scored six runs before Arshdeep Singh, bowling his second over, knocked over Liton’s stumps with the first ball.

With the scoreboard showing just seven runs, Bangladesh had already lost two wickets. Tanzid Hasan Tamim was joined by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, but Shanto could not add to the score. He faced six balls without scoring and was caught out, leaving the field for a duck. With only 10 runs on the board, Bangladesh had already lost three wickets. Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Towhid Hridoy attempted to stabilize the innings but both fell in quick succession. Hridoy was dismissed for 13 runs, and Tamim lost his wicket for 17 runs in consecutive overs.

At 41 for 5, Bangladesh found themselves in deep trouble. However, Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah Riyad staged a fightback. Their partnership provided some stability, but they could only reduce the margin of defeat. Bangladesh ended their innings at 120 for 9 in the allotted 20 overs, falling short by 62 runs, giving India a thrilling victory.

India's comprehensive performance underscored their readiness for the World Cup, while Bangladesh’s batting collapse highlighted areas for improvement before the tournament kicks off.