IND vs BAN T20 World Cup 2024: Rishabh Pant stars as India beat Bangladesh in warm-up clash

In a resounding display of batting and bowling brilliance, the Indian cricket team thrashed Bangladesh by a convincing 60 runs in their final warm-up match for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The contest, held at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Saturday, saw Rishabh Pant return to form in emphatic style.

Pant, who had been sidelined with injuries since December 2022 after a car accident, wasted no time proving his worth. His explosive knock of 53 runs from just 32 balls, laced with four boundaries and an equal number of sixes, provided the foundation for India’s strong total of 182 for 5 wickets.

Skipper Rohit Sharma (23) offered valuable support at the top of the order, but it was Pant’s innings that truly ignited the Indian batting line-up. Later cameos from Suryakumar Yadav (31 off 18) and Hardik Pandya (unbeaten 40 off 23) added further impetus, ensuring India set a daunting target for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s chase got off to a disastrous start. Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Dube wreaked havoc with the new ball, reducing the Tigers to a precarious 10 for 3 within the first four overs. The situation didn’t improve much, with the scorecard reading 41 for 5 by the ninth over.

While veterans Shakib Al Hasan (28) and Mahmadullah (40 retired) offered some resistance with a 70-run stand for the sixth wicket, their efforts proved insufficient. Shivam Dube returned in the final over to extinguish any remaining hope for Bangladesh, claiming two wickets in two balls to seal a comprehensive Indian victory.

Speaking after the match, a satisfied Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed his happiness with the team’s performance. He highlighted the importance of adapting to the new conditions and lauded both the batsmen and bowlers for their contributions.

India will kick off their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on Wednesday, while Bangladesh will lock horns with Sri Lanka two days later. This dominating warm-up win has certainly sent a strong message to their rivals, and the Men in Blue will be brimming with confidence as they enter the tournament proper.