Gwalior, Oct 7 (Patriotic views Desk) India secured a comfortable seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first T20I at the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Hardik Pandya’s explosive batting, combined with strong performances from bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy, helped India take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

India’s Fastest Chase

Chasing a modest target of 128, India reached the score with 49 balls to spare, making it their fastest chase in T20I history when targeting more than 100 runs.

Hardik Pandya led the charge with a powerful 39* off just 16 balls. He hit five fours and two sixes, sealing the win with a six off Bangladesh’s Taskin Ahmed in the 12th over.

Strong Start by Openers

Openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma started aggressively. Samson hit two boundaries in the first over, while Abhishek followed up with a six and a couple of fours off Taskin. Abhishek, however, was run out for 16.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav joined Samson, and the pair kept the run rate high. Suryakumar played a quick 29 off 14 balls, including three sixes and two fours, keeping India on top in the chase.

Pandya Finishes in Style

After Samson was dismissed for 29, debutant Nitish Reddy joined Pandya. The foundation had already been set with India scoring 71/2 in the first six overs. Pandya took control from there, ensuring India didn’t face any more trouble. Nitish Reddy remained unbeaten on 16, while Pandya’s blistering knock finished the game in the 12th over.

Bangladesh’s Struggle with the Bat

Earlier, Bangladesh struggled after being put in to bat. Arshdeep Singh (3-14) and Varun Chakaravarthy (3-31) were the standout bowlers for India, limiting Bangladesh to 127 all out in 19.5 overs.

Bangladesh’s openers Parvez Hossain Emon and Litton Das couldn’t provide the desired start. Arshdeep struck early, dismissing Litton for 4 and then removing Emon for 8. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (27) and Towid Hridoy (12) tried to rebuild the innings but couldn’t get far.

Varun and Arshdeep Dominate

Varun Chakaravarthy and Arshdeep took turns dismantling Bangladesh’s middle order. Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (35*) showed some resistance, but the rest of the lineup crumbled. Varun took crucial wickets, and debutant Mayank Yadav also impressed, bowling a maiden over and taking his first international wicket.

Bangladesh was eventually bowled out for 127, with Mehidy remaining unbeaten at 35.

Brief Scores

• Bangladesh: 127 all out in 19.5 overs (Mehidy Hasan Miraz 35*, Najmul Hossain Shanto 27; Arshdeep Singh 3-14, Varun Chakaravarthy 3-31)
• India: 132/3 in 11.5 overs (Hardik Pandya 39*, Suryakumar Yadav 29; Mehidy Hasan Miraz 1-7)

India won by seven wickets and leads the series 1-0.