Right then, that wraps up the second T20I, where India delivered another impressive performance to seal the series with one match still to play. This victory marks India's 16th consecutive T20I series win at home. With the series secured, we could see some of the bench players getting a chance in the final game. As for Bangladesh, they are still searching for their first win on this tour of India across formats and will be eager to finish on a high, particularly with Mahmudullah set to retire after this series. The third and final T20I will take place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday, October 12th. The first ball will be bowled at 1.30 pm GMT, but make sure to join us well ahead of time for all the exciting build-up to the match. Until then, cheers and goodbye!
Nitish Kumar Reddy is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his all-round showing - 74 (34) with the bat and 2 for 23 with the ball. He says that it feels great to contribute to the team and wants to enjoy this moment. Says that he should thank the captain and the coach for giving him the license to play his natural game. Tells that he took his time initially, but after that No Ball everything went his way. Shares that it feels great to play for the Indian team and hopes he can contribute more in future games.
Suryakumar Yadav, the victorious Indian skipper says he wanted a tough situation to see how the middle order performs and he is absolutely pleased with the way they played. Talks about the message to be loud and clear for the players to go out and express themselves and play freely. Mentions that he wanted to try to give all the bowlers a go to see what they had to offer. Says it was Nitish's day and he wanted him to go out and bowl with the new ball.
The captain of Bangladesh, Najmul Hossain Shanto says that they made the same mistakes which they did during the first game and need to improve. Feels that it was a good decision to bowl first and they started well but could not execute their plans afterwards. Reckons that as batters, they need to take responsibility and it is important to believe that once you get in, you can get a big score. Mentions that not picking wickets during the middle phase hurt them.
Time for the presentation ceremony...
Rinku Singh is down for a quick chat. He says he backs himself at tough times to keep things calm and believes in himself. Adds that he has practised a lot to bat the way he does and keeps talking to MS Dhoni for his input which helps. Mentions that his talk with Nitish was just to stitch a partnership and make the most of any bad balls that came their way which all started flowing after that No ball went for a six.
Earlier in the game, considering the dew factor, Najmul Hossain Shanto opted to bowl first. Right from the first over, it was clear that this wasn’t a typical Delhi batting paradise, with inconsistent bounce and balls holding up in the surface. After losing their top three within the Powerplay, a 108-run partnership between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Rinku Singh rescued the hosts from trouble. Nitish started cautiously but shifted gears smoothly as the innings progressed. The Bangladeshi spinners also faltered several times with their lines and lengths during the middle overs, further aiding the duo's recovery. Cameos from Hardik Pandya and Riyan Parag propelled India to 221. For Bangladesh, their pacers excelled with Taskin Ahmed being the pick of the bowlers but the spin duo of Mehidy Hasan and Rishad Hossain went for a combined total of 101 runs from their 7 overs.
In most cases, a strong Powerplay is imperative for the chasing side when chasing totals in excess of 200. Unfortunately for the visitors, this did not materialize, as they lost three wickets within the Powerplay. Consequently, they were left playing catch-up for the remainder of their innings. They struggled to build any substantial partnerships as India consistently chipped away at their wickets. Every bowler Suryakumar Yadav turned to, delivered for the side, with seven bowlers used throughout the night, and each one claiming at least one wicket. Bangladesh never found their rhythm in the chase, and with the Delhi surface not being its usual batting-friendly self, the balls stopping and holding up only added to their difficulties.
A comprehensive win for India to put the series to bed! Though they were pushed into a corner early on with the bat, they managed to find a way back and were never under pressure with the ball. A win by 86 runs marks India's biggest win in terms of runs against Bangladesh in T20I cricket. As for Bangladesh, they started well with the ball but will rue the missed opportunity of letting India off the hook after reducing them to 41/3, allowing them to recover and reach a total of 221.
In over# 20
0
1
2
4b
1
0W
Nitish Kumar Reddy 23/2(4)
19.6
.
A dot to end the game! India win the second T20I by a big 86-run margin to seal the series 2-0! Nitish Kumar Reddy attacks the stumps on a fuller length, Mustafizur Rahman makes room but only manages to dig it back to the bowler.
19.5
1
A low full toss, on off, Taskin Ahmed drives it to deep cover for a single.
19.4
2
Fired in full, at the stumps, Taskin Ahmed drills it down the track. Riyan Parag from long off quickly moves to his left and puts in a dive to save two runs for his side.
19.3
4b
FOUR BYES! That evades everybody! On a length, just down leg, Taskin Ahmed makes room and looks to force it through the off side but misses. The ball goes past the outside edge and Sanju Samson fails to get low and lets it go through for a boundary.
19.2
1
Full and attacking the stumps, Mustafizur Rahman opens up the off side and carves it on the bounce to deep cover for one.
Mustafizur Rahman is the last man in.
OUT! CAUGHT! Mahmudullah's vigil comes to an end! Nitish Kumar Reddy searches for the yorker but slightly misses the mark, serving it as a low dipping full toss, on off, Mahmudullah covers the line and looks to loft it but it comes off the cue end. He skies it in front of long on where Riyan Parag runs in off the ropes and takes it with both hands.
19.1
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Mahmudullah's vigil comes to an end! Nitish Kumar Reddy searches for the yorker but slightly misses the mark, serving it as a low dipping full toss, on off, Mahmudullah covers the line and looks to loft it but it comes off the cue end. He skies it in front of long on where Riyan Parag runs in off the ropes and takes it with both hands.