Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: The India vs Bangladesh rivalry in T20 internationals has delivered some of the most thrilling and unforgettable moments in cricket history. These matches have often been high-octane encounters, filled with tension, drama, and unforgettable moments that are etched in the memories of fans.
Ahead of the first T20I of the three-match series between the two nations in Gwalior, here’s a look at some of the most memorable T20I clashes between these two teams.
1. The 2016 World Cup Final-Over Thriller (Bengaluru)
In the ICC T20 World Cup 2016, India and Bangladesh faced off in a Super 10 match that would be remembered for one of the most dramatic finishes in T20 history. Chasing 147, Bangladesh needed just 11 runs off the last over with four wickets in hand. Hardik Pandya was handed the responsibility of bowling the final over, and Bangladesh seemed to be on the verge of a famous win when they needed just 2 runs off 3 balls.
MS Dhoni breaks Bangladesh hearts
However, what followed was an incredible collapse. Pandya took two wickets in two balls, leaving Bangladesh requiring two off the final delivery. New man Shuvagata Hom tried to sneak a single, but MS Dhoni’s lightning-fast sprint to run out Mustafizur Rahman sealed a miraculous 1-run victory for India. Dhoni’s iconic sprint to the stumps became one of the most enduring images of the tournament, and the match is still regarded as one of the best T20I finishes ever.
2. Karthik’s Last-Ball Heroics – Nidahas Trophy Final (2018)
In the Nidahas Trophy final in 2018, India needed 167 to win against a spirited Bangladesh side. India was struggling in the chase, and with 34 runs needed off the last two overs, Bangladesh seemed to have one hand on the trophy. Enter Dinesh Karthik. His unbeaten 29 off just 8 balls, including three sixes and two fours, turned the game on its head.
Nidahas Trophy 2018 Final Match, Final Over – India vs Bangladesh
The match went down to the last ball, with India needing 5 runs to win. Karthik struck a sensational flat six over extra cover off Soumya Sarkar’s bowling, sealing a nail-biting 4-wicket victory for India. The moment Karthik hit that six, the stadium erupted, and it instantly became one of the most dramatic finishes in a T20I final. His heroic knock is still celebrated as one of the finest examples of clutch batting in cricket history.
3. The Asia Cup T20 Final (2016)
In the 2016 Asia Cup final in Dhaka, India and Bangladesh met in a rain-shortened 15-over match. Bangladesh posted a challenging total of 120, and India’s chase was led by Shikhar Dhawan, who played a fluent knock of 60 off 44 balls. While Bangladesh kept the pressure on, MS Dhoni once again finished the game in style, hitting a towering six to seal an 8-wicket win for India.
This victory gave India the Asia Cup title and added another chapter to Dhoni’s legendary ability to finish games in T20 cricket. The final is remembered for Dhawan’s form and Dhoni’s powerful finishing blow, reinforcing India’s dominance in multi-nation tournaments.
4. Deepak Chahar’s Record-Breaking Spell (Nagpur 2019)
In the 2019 T20I series decider in Nagpur, India and Bangladesh were tied at 1-1, and the stage was set for a thrilling finale. Bangladesh was in control of their chase of 175, and it seemed like they were cruising to a series win. But Deepak Chahar produced a sensational spell of bowling, taking 6 wickets for just 7 runs, including a hat-trick.
Chahar’s spell not only turned the game in India’s favor but also set a new record for the best bowling figures in T20 internationals. His devastating bowling display saw Bangladesh bowled out for 144, handing India a series-clinching 30-run victory. Chahar’s hat-trick and record-breaking spell made this one of the most memorable T20I performances by an Indian bowler.
5. Bangladesh’s Only Win vs India, 2019
Bangladesh secured their first and only T20I victory against India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi in November 2019, winning by seven wickets in a closely contested match that went down to the final over.
Batting first, India posted 148/6 in their 20 overs. Bangladesh, in reply, were 99/2 after 15 overs, needing 50 runs from the last five overs. Mushfiqur Rahim played a crucial knock, keeping his cool under pressure, and guided his team to victory with an unbeaten 60 off 43 balls. His composed innings helped Bangladesh chase down the target with three balls to spare, securing a historic win.
