India emerged victorious in the Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup final, defeating Bangladesh by 41 runs at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, December 22. This win marks a historic moment as India becomes the inaugural champions of the tournament.

India’s innings:

Bangladesh captain Sumaiya Akter opted to bowl first after winning the toss in the high-pressure final. Gongadi Trisha led India’s batting with a composed 52 off 47 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes, even as wickets fell at regular intervals. Mithila Vinod provided a late boost with a quick 17 off 12 balls, helping India post a competitive total of 117/7 in their 20 overs.

Farjana Easmin was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, taking 4/31 in her four overs. Trisha’s performance not only anchored India’s innings but also made her the tournament’s leading run-scorer.

Bangladesh’s reply:

Bangladesh’s chase got off to a poor start, losing Mosammat Eva in the second over. Despite Fahomida Choya’s efforts to stabilize the innings, key wickets, including captain Sumaiya Akter, fell cheaply.

Wicketkeeper-batter Juairiya Ferdous kept Bangladesh’s hopes alive with a patient 22 off 30 balls. However, her dismissal in the 15th over left Bangladesh at 64/5, needing 54 runs from the final 34 deliveries. The lower order collapsed under pressure, with the last five wickets falling for just 12 runs.

Bangladesh were bowled out for 76 in 18.3 overs, handing India a convincing 41-run win.

Key performers:

• India:
  • Aayushi Shukla: 3/17 in 3.3 overs
  • Sonam Yadav and Parunika Sisodia: 2 wickets each
  • Gongadi Trisha: 52 runs (leading tournament scorer)
• Bangladesh:
  • Farjana Easmin: 4/31 in 4 overs
  • Juairiya Ferdous: 22 runs

India’s comprehensive performance capped a dominant campaign, securing the inaugural Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup title.

Sri Lanka bounced back in the second T20I to level the series 1-1 against the West Indies, securing a commanding 73-run victory. Pathum Nissanka’s crucial half-century helped Sri Lanka post a total of 162 for 5, while the home side’s spinners wreaked havoc on a turning track to bundle out the visitors for just 89 in 16.1 overs.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Sri Lanka struggled in the early overs, scoring just 8 runs in the first three. However, Pathum Nissanka’s aggressive hitting in the second over, which included four boundaries, kickstarted the innings. Nissanka then partnered with Kusal Mendis to accelerate the scoring, as Sri Lanka reached 50 by the end of the PowerPlay.

Despite some breakthroughs for West Indies, including the dismissal of Mendis, Nissanka anchored the innings, reaching his 50 before falling to Shamar Joseph. Late contributions from Kamindu Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga pushed Sri Lanka to a competitive total of 162.

West Indies’ chase got off to a rocky start, with Sri Lankan debutant Dunith Wellalage picking up key early wickets, including Brandon King and Evin Lewis. Maheesh Theekshana and Wellalage tightened the noose, as the West Indies struggled to handle the spin-friendly conditions. The visitors went 37 deliveries without a boundary, and despite a brief resistance from Rovman Powell and Alzarri Joseph, West Indies collapsed for 89, handing Sri Lanka a comprehensive win.

Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 162/5 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 54, Kusal Mendis 26; Romario Shepherd 2-23, Shamar Springer 1-24)
West Indies 89 in 16.1 overs (Rovman Powell 20, Alzarri Joseph 16; Dunith Wellalage 3-9, Maheesh Theekshana 2-7)
Sri Lanka won by 73 runs.

In a sensational display of power-hitting, India equaled their highest-ever powerplay score in T20 Internationals by posting 82/1 in the first six overs against Bangladesh in the 3rd T20I in Hyderabad. The explosive partnership between Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson set the tone, leaving Bangladesh struggling to contain the onslaught.

This score of 82/1 matches India’s previous record achieved against Scotland during the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai. Suryakumar Yadav’s quickfire 35 from just 13 balls, coupled with Samson’s steady 37*, guided India to this commanding position, making it one of their most dominant powerplay performances to date.

India’s other top powerplay scores include 82/2 against Scotland in 2021, 78/2 against South Africa in 2018, and 77/1 against both Australia and Sri Lanka in 2023 and 2009, respectively. The powerful start today laid a strong foundation for India to continue their charge against Bangladesh.

Sanju Samson, India’s wicketkeeper-batter, reached a much-needed fifty today in the ongoing T20 match, a knock that seems to symbolize a significant moment in his career. After struggling in his previous two T20I outings, Samson’s frustration was evident even in his celebration as he raised his bat to acknowledge the crowd and his teammates.

This half-century holds particular importance for Samson, who has faced criticism and challenges in his T20 journey. Having been given a third chance by coach Gautam Gambhir after failing to deliver in his first two T20Is of the series, Samson made sure this opportunity wasn’t wasted. His performance not only marks a comeback for him but also reflects the guidance and belief shown in him by Gambhir.

Samson’s innings came after a difficult period in his career, where he failed to meet expectations in previous matches, leading many to doubt his place in the squad. Today’s fifty could potentially reignite his T20 career and silence some of his critics, as he looks ahead to regain his position in India’s T20 plans.

The partnership between Samson and Suryakumar Yadav proved crucial as India looked to post a competitive total. Samson’s boundary-filled knock, including several powerful fours and a six, has certainly brought the spotlight back on his batting skills.

While the celebration may have been tinged with frustration, it also symbolized Samson’s determination to fight back and seize his moment under the spotlight once again.

Suryakumar Yadav dazzled in the power play, smashing four consecutive boundaries to push India to an impressive total of 82-1 in just 6 overs during the 3rd T20I against Bangladesh. He took control in the sixth over, targeting Tanzim Hasan Sakib with a display of relentless hitting.

The action started in the 5.3rd over when Yadav flicked a ball pitched around the middle and leg, sending it racing to the boundary. He followed up immediately with another cracking four, driving the ball towards wide long-on. As if that wasn’t enough, Yadav showcased his form by pulling off another boundary on the next delivery, flicking it mid-wicket. To cap off the over, Yadav blasted a massive six, propelling India to a commanding 82 runs at the end of the powerplay.

Yadav’s power-hitting, combined with Sanju Samson’s strong knock of 37*, put India in a dominant position as they continued their innings with a strong partnership of 59 runs off 23 balls.

Nitish Kumar Reddy earned a standing ovation from the crowd and his teammates after a remarkable innings of 74 from just 34 balls during the second T20I against Bangladesh. Reddy’s blistering knock, which included 4 fours and 7 sixes at a strike rate of 217.65, played a crucial role in propelling India’s innings.

He was eventually dismissed by Mustafizur Rahman, caught by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, but his contribution left a lasting impact on the game. The 21-year-old’s performance was met with enthusiastic applause from the stadium as he made his way back to the pavilion, cementing his place as a player to watch in the future.

India was well placed at 149/4 when Reddy got out, with the team looking to build on his explosive innings. Fans on social media and in the stadium were quick to praise the young cricketer for his fearless batting display.

Sanju Samson came under fire on social media after another low score in the second T20I against Bangladesh. Samson, who was dismissed for 10 off 7 balls, was caught by Najmul Hossain Shanto off Taskin Ahmed’s slower delivery.

Facing a 122.3kph off-speed ball, Samson attempted to play it through the covers but ended up chipping it straight to mid-off. This marked the fourth slower ball in a row from Taskin, which finally yielded a wicket. Samson’s innings included two boundaries, but he was unable to build on his start, leaving fans disappointed.

The backlash on Twitter followed swiftly, with many questioning his recent form and ability to contribute consistently to the team. Fans have been eagerly waiting for Samson to show his potential in the T20I format, but his early dismissal in this match has sparked criticism yet again –

Justice for Sanju samson 🥲 pic.twitter.com/e6XimBYBTt

— ❤️‍🔥 (@Shivaay__7) October 9, 2024

Half crowd left the stadium as soon as Sanju got out .

Craze of Sanju Samson pic.twitter.com/gCPk6eI7P1

— Chinmay Shah (@chinmayshah28) October 9, 2024

Sanju Samson according to his fanbase pic.twitter.com/gO5PGLaGin

— saiyam (@SaiyamAhuja2) October 9, 2024

In the second T20I between India and Bangladesh, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and decided to bowl first, inviting Suryakumar Yadav’s team to bat in New Delhi. India, fresh off a commanding 7-wicket win in the first match in Gwalior, will aim to secure the series with another win. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will look to bounce back and keep the series alive.

🚨 Toss Update 🚨

Bangladesh win the toss in the 2nd T20I and elect to bowl in Delhi.

Live – https://t.co/Otw9CpO67y#TeamIndia | #INDvBAN | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/3OMaARLaQ0

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 9, 2024

In the first game, India’s bowling unit, led by Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Mayank Yadav, and Hardik Pandya, delivered a dominant performance, making it tough for Bangladesh to gain momentum. Tonight’s match gives Bangladesh a chance to improve after their lackluster performance.

India Playing XI:
Sanju Samson (w), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Nitish Reddy, Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav

Bangladesh Playing XI:
Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das (w), Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman

Stay tuned for live updates as the match unfolds, with India looking to seal the series and Bangladesh fighting for a comeback.

As India gears up for the 2nd T20I against Bangladesh, all eyes are on whether Harshit Rana will get his long-awaited debut in his home stadium, Delhi. The India team put on a dominant display in the 1st T20I, crushing Bangladesh by 7 wickets with more than 8 overs to spare. Mayank Yadav and Nitish Kumar Reddy made their debuts in that match, and now there’s speculation that another young pacer, Harshit Rana, could step into the India Playing XI.

If Rana gets his India cap, Nitish Kumar Reddy may be the one to sit out. This would allow India to inject fresh pace into their bowling attack. Riyan Parag, who didn’t get a chance to bat in the 1st T20I, could move up the order to provide more balance to the batting lineup.

Top Order Set for the 2nd T20I
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav had made it clear that Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma would open the innings, and their partnership is likely to continue. Both batters got off to a flying start in the first game, with Sanju scoring 29 off 19 balls and Abhishek contributing 16 runs from just 7 deliveries. This aggressive start puts the opposition on the backfoot early in the game.

Suryakumar Yadav will take his usual spot at number 3, where he blasted 29 runs off 14 balls in the last game. Riyan Parag could move up to number 4, while Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh will be the finishers in the lineup.

The Bowling Attack
India’s pace attack will once again be led by Arshdeep Singh, who took 3 wickets in the 1st T20I. He will be joined by Mayank Yadav, who made his debut in Gwalior. Harshit Rana, the local boy, could get his debut in front of his home crowd, rounding off the pace trio. Hardik Pandya will serve as the fourth pacer, providing additional depth to the bowling attack.

Varun Chakravarthy impressed with 3 wickets in the last game, ensuring his spot in the team. However, this means Ravi Bishnoi will likely miss out once again.

Predicted India Playing XI for the 2nd T20I:

1. Sanju Samson (wk)
2. Abhishek Sharma
3. Suryakumar Yadav (c)
4. Riyan Parag
5. Hardik Pandya
6. Rinku Singh
7. Washington Sundar
8. Varun Chakravarthy
9. Arshdeep Singh
10. Mayank Yadav
11. Harshit Rana

With Mayank Yadav making a strong debut in the first T20I, attention now shifts to Harshit Rana, who could be on the brink of his international debut in the second match of the series against Bangladesh. India is already 1-0 up in the series, and the opportunity to test fresh talent, like Rana, is ripe.

Harshit Rana’s Debut on the Cards?

Like Mayank Yadav, Harshit Rana was rewarded for his excellent performances in the IPL 2024 and domestic cricket. Unlike some of his peers, Rana has remained injury-free and is ready to make an impact if given the chance. With India having won the first match, this could be the ideal time for the team management to introduce Rana, unless they prefer to secure the series win before making any changes.

India’s bowling unit, led by Arshdeep Singh and supported by Mayank Yadav, put in a solid performance in the first T20I, which makes it even more compelling to see if Rana can add to the strength of the pace attack. With limited series left before senior bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj return, this is the perfect opportunity for Rana to prove his worth.

Rana’s Rising Star

Since making his IPL debut in 2022, Harshit Rana has steadily improved, making a mark with his pace and ability to take crucial wickets. He ended the 2024 IPL season with 19 wickets, a significant improvement from his 2023 tally. Additionally, Rana’s four-wicket haul in the Duleep Trophy 2024 solidified his case for a place in the national team. While he was named in the squad for the India vs Sri Lanka ODIs earlier, he didn’t get the chance to play. This series against Bangladesh could finally be his moment.

India Squad for IND vs BAN T20Is:

Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Mayank Yadav.

All eyes will be on whether Harshit Rana takes the field in the second T20I, and if he does, fans can expect an exciting display of fast bowling as the young pacer looks to cement his place in the team.

Sanju Samson is once again facing pressure to secure his spot in the Indian T20I team. The wicketkeeper-batter has been given an opportunity to prove himself following the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from T20I cricket. Under the guidance of head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, Samson opened the innings in the first T20I against Bangladesh. Despite India’s comfortable victory in Gwalior, Samson’s personal performance left room for improvement as the second T20I approaches in Delhi on Wednesday.

Modest Start in Gwalior

In the first T20I at Gwalior’s New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium, Samson opened alongside Abhishek Sharma. He showed flashes of his elegant shot-making but managed only 29 runs from 19 balls before being dismissed. Though he played with finesse, his brief innings didn’t make a significant impact.

Aakash Chopra on Samson’s Consistency

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra weighed in on Samson’s performance, saying, “He is good. He scored 29 runs. My only thing was that he should have gone a little further. He needs to score more because, otherwise, they might drop him. He keeps moving in and out of the side, and up and down the order.”

Chopra praised Samson’s grace, adding, “Sanju Samson played beautifully. Gautam Gambhir said long ago that if Samson doesn’t play for India, it’s India’s loss. He was made to open, and his touch was silky. He wasn’t hitting the ball hard but was stroking one four after another.”

Samson’s future with the Indian T20I team may hinge on his performance in the remaining matches of the series, as his consistency remains under scrutiny.