Indian Batters Blaze to 221/9 in Second T20I Against Bangladesh
The Indian cricket team’s batters unleashed a fiery assault on Bangladesh in the second T20I in Delhi on Wednesday, posting an imposing total of 221/9. Nitish Reddy and Rinku Singh led the charge with blistering half-centuries, while Hardik Pandya provided a late surge.
After a sluggish start that saw three wickets fall in the Powerplay, Reddy and Rinku rescued India with a magnificent 100-plus partnership. Reddy, playing only his second T20I, showcased his immense talent with a scintillating 74 off 34 balls, including seven maximums and four boundaries. Rinku, known for his explosive hitting, contributed 53 off 29 balls, smashing five boundaries and three sixes.
Reddy’s innings was particularly impressive, as he played with a maturity beyond his years. He reached his maiden T20I fifty in just 27 balls and continued to punish the Bangladesh bowlers with his powerful strokeplay. Rinku, too, displayed his big-hitting prowess, smashing the first six of the match off leg-spinner Rishad Hossain.
Hardik Pandya, who came to the crease after Reddy’s departure, maintained the momentum with a quickfire 32 off 19 balls. He hit two sixes and two fours, including a boundary that surpassed MS Dhoni’s tally of 116 fours in T20Is.
Despite the impressive batting display, India’s top-order struggled against the pace trio of Tanzim Hasan, Mustafizur Rehman, and Taskin Ahmed. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma were dismissed cheaply, while Suryakumar Yadav fell to a slower delivery from Mustafizur.
Bangladesh’s bowlers fought back in the latter stages, with Mustafizur and Taskin claiming three wickets each. However, the Indian batters had already done enough damage to set up a challenging target for the visitors.
