Nitish Kumar Reddy’s explosive knock of 74, along with Rinku Singh’s fiery 53, led India to a commanding 86-run victory over Bangladesh in the second T20I on Wednesday. India now holds an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, thanks to a brilliant all-round display that saw the hosts take complete control of the game.
Reddy, in only his second T20I appearance, stole the show with a blistering 34-ball 74, including seven sixes and four boundaries. His performance was complemented by his two wickets (2/23), showcasing his potential as a future star. Rinku Singh played his part with an aggressive 29-ball 53, as the duo combined for a crucial 108-run partnership that helped India recover from an early stumble to post a formidable 221/9.
Bangladesh, chasing a massive target, struggled to build momentum against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Despite some early aggression from opener Parvez Hossain Emon, the visitors were restricted to 135/9, with Mahmudullah’s fighting 41 being their only significant contribution.
Reddy and Rinku Lead India’s Recovery
After being put into bat, India faced early setbacks as the Bangladesh pace trio—Tanzim Hasan, Mustafizur Rehman, and Taskin Ahmed—made life difficult for the top order. Sanju Samson (10), Abhishek Sharma (15), and Suryakumar Yadav (7) were all dismissed cheaply, leaving India at 41/3.
Reddy and Rinku came together at this critical juncture, stabilizing the innings with their aggressive stroke play. Reddy brought up his maiden T20I fifty in just 27 balls and unleashed a flurry of sixes, particularly taking a liking to Bangladesh’s leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, whom he hit for three consecutive maximums in the 10th over. Rinku, meanwhile, was equally destructive, smashing five boundaries and three sixes.
The partnership propelled India past 100, and although both players were eventually dismissed, their contributions ensured India posted a daunting total.
India’s Bowlers Dominate Bangladesh
Defending 221, India’s bowlers quickly got to work. Arshdeep Singh removed Parvez Hossain Emon, who had started aggressively, and from there, the spin duo of Washington Sundar and Varun Chakaravarthy took over. Bangladesh’s batting order faltered under pressure, with Litton Das’s poor form continuing and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto struggling to build any momentum.
Varun Chakaravarthy struck with his very first ball, and wickets fell regularly, making it impossible for Bangladesh to keep up with the escalating required run rate. Mahmudullah’s valiant 41 off 39 balls was the only resistance, but it wasn’t enough to challenge India’s total.
Early Setbacks for India
Despite the eventual victory, India’s innings started on a shaky note. Sanju Samson gave India a brisk start, hitting back-to-back boundaries in the first over off Mehidy Hasan Miraz, but fell to Taskin Ahmed soon after. Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav followed, leaving India in a precarious position at the end of the powerplay.
The Bangladesh pace attack bowled with precision, with Tanzim Hasan, Mustafizur, and Taskin varying their deliveries to keep the Indian batters in check. However, their efforts were undone by the brilliance of Reddy and Rinku.
Series Sealed
With this 86-run win, India has secured the T20I series against Bangladesh, demonstrating the depth and talent in their squad. Nitish Reddy’s breakthrough performance, alongside Rinku Singh’s consistency, bodes well for India’s future in the shortest format.
The third and final match of the series now becomes a chance for India to complete a clean sweep and for Bangladesh to salvage some pride.
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BCCI Official Site – For official updates from the Board of Control for Cricket in India: BCCI
Sportskeeda Cricket – Latest news and updates on India vs Bangladesh: Sportskeeda Cricket
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