Credit: ICC
On March 23, 2016, India pipped Bangladesh by one run in the T20 World Cup 2016 game played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Batting first after losing the toss, the hosts could post only 146/7 in their 20 overs. Suresh Raina, who scored 30 off 23, was the highest run-getter for the Men in Blue. Virat Kohli chipped in with a run-a-ball 24 while opener Shikhar Dhawan also played 23 off 22. Al-Amin Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman grabbed two wickets respectively and played a major role in containing the home team on a low total.
Following the target, Bangladesh lost Mohammad Mithun early in the third over of the innings. Tamim Iqbal and Sabbir Rahman stitched a crucial 44-run stand off 32 deliveries and kept the Bangla side alive in the chase. However, Ravindra Jadeja broke into the scene and sent Tamim back to the pavilion. Rahman, who was playing attacking cricket, got stumped by MS Dhoni on Suresh Raina’s delivery. Rahman departed after scoring 26 off 15. Following the footsteps of Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan also looked fierce with his bat and accumulated 22 off just 14. In the crunch situation, Ashwin again stepped up for India and got rid of dangerous Shakib.
India held their nerves in the final over
In the final over of the game, Bangladesh were required to score 11 runs to beat India for the first time in the T20 World Cups. Hardik Pandya got the responsibility to defend the total and he gave away nine runs in the initial three deliveries. With the Bangla team requiring only two to win off three deliveries, Pandya didn’t lose confidence and got Rahim caught at the hands of Shikhar Dhawan. The next delivery Mahmudullah was tasked to finish the job but he also played a shot in the air.
This time, Ravindra Jadeja pulled off a diving stunner to keep India alive in the game. On the final ball, Bangladesh needed two to win and Shuvagata Hom was facing Pandya. The tailender failed to touch the ball but ran to complete the run. Rahman, who was at the non-striker’s end, fell short to complete the run as Dhoni displayed alacrity and ran him out to help India emerge victorious eventually. Ashwin, who racked up 2/20 figures in his four-over spell, became the player of the match (POTM).
