Chapter 140

In a gripping T20I match in Bangalore, India struggled initially after their openers were unsettled by Shuvagata Hom's early turn. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan managed only singles before each hitting a six in the sixth over. However, Mustafizur Rahman soon dismissed Rohit, and Shakib Al Hasan trapped Dhawan in the next over, leaving India with two new batsmen on a challenging pitch.

Virat Kohli, coming off a strong performance against Pakistan, could only muster a run-a-ball 24, narrowly escaping an Al-Amin Hossain caught-and-bowled chance. Suresh Raina, who top-scored with 30 off 23 balls, broke a five-over boundary drought with two sixes off Al-Amin. Kohli's struggle ended when he missed a delivery from Hom, bringing Bangladesh back into the game. Hardik Pandya added a quick 15 off seven balls, but was spectacularly caught by Soumya Sarkar. Al-Amin also dismissed Raina, limiting India's scoring in the slog overs to just 34 runs in the last five, with a boundary drought of 19 balls initially. Nitish was out for a duck he underestimated the bowling attack.

Bangladesh's captain, Mashrafe Mortaza, delivered an exceptional four-over spell without conceding a four or six, a first in his career. His strategic captaincy, coupled with Shakib's tight four overs and wickets from Mustafizur and Al-Amin Hossain, kept India in check.

During Bangladesh's innings, Mohammad Mithun was caught at long-on early. Tamim Iqbal, despite a bump with Ashish Nehra and two reprieves (one a Nehra drop and another by Bumrah), scored 35 before being stumped by MS Dhoni. Sabbir Rahman added a quick 26 off 15 balls but was also stumped by Dhoni.

Mashrafe, promoting himself up the order, hit a massive six but lasted only five balls. Shakib, dropped by Ashwin on 8, hit two sixes but was eventually caught at slip off Ashwin's bowling, ending his crucial 22-run knock.

Jasprit Bumrah, recovering from an initial poor performance, conceded only six runs in the penultimate over, setting a challenging ten runs for Pandya to defend in the final over.

In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh, needing just two runs off the last three balls with Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah at the crease, faltered. Mushfiqur hit a boundary off the second ball, followed by another four off a scoop, but then got caught at midwicket. Mahmudullah, switching ends, fell in a similar fashion, leaving Bangladesh needing two runs from the last ball.

In the final delivery, Pandya bowled outside Shuvagata Hom's reach. Dhoni, with his quick thinking and one glove, ran out Mustafizur Rahman, securing a one-run victory for India. Dhoni's crucial 13 runs, his cunning stumpings, and the decisive run-out were instrumental in India's win, keeping them in contention for the last four in the World Twenty20.

The tension in the stadium was palpable as Hardik Pandya prepared to bowl the first ball of the final over. Bangladesh needed 11 runs to clinch a historic victory. The Indian team gathered for a brief strategy meeting. Nehra, Rohit, Dhoni, and Pandya exchanged words, a mix of encouragement and tactics.

19.1 Over: Pandya delivered a full and wide ball. Mahmudullah, with calculated precision, steered it to deep cover, securing a single. The scoreboard ticked - 10 needed from 5 balls. Dhoni hurried to Pandya, offering advice, while Kohli gestured to adjust field positions. The fine leg came up, and Jadeja, India's ace fielder, was strategically placed at sweeper cover.

19.2 Over: Mushfiqur Rahim faced the next ball. Pandya's slower delivery went awry, short and wide. Mushfiqur, deep in his crease, smashed it through extra cover for a boundary. The stadium erupted as Bangladesh moved closer to their goal. The Indian team felt the pressure, their earlier confidence wavering.

19.3 Over: The atmosphere intensified as Mushfiqur, full of adrenaline, executed a daring scoop. The ball sailed past Dhoni, narrowly avoiding the fine leg, and raced to the boundary. Mushfiqur's bat swung wildly in celebration, the score now tantalizingly close - 6 needed from 3 balls. Nehra rushed to Pandya, offering last-minute advice, but the tension was mounting.

19.4 Over: Pandya, recovering his composure, bowled a slower short ball. Mushfiqur, attempting a pull shot, misjudged the pace. The ball flew to deep midwicket, straight into Dhawan's safe hands. The Indian team breathed a sigh of relief as Mushfiqur departed. Mahmudullah, now on strike, faced the daunting task of scoring 6 runs off 2 balls.

19.5 Over: Pandya delivered again, and Mahmudullah, seeking glory, went for a slog. The ball soared towards deep midwicket, where Jadeja, perfectly positioned, completed a pressure-filled catch. The Indian team's strategy paid off, the game once again swinging in their favor. Bangladesh now needed 2 runs from the final ball, the outcome hanging by a thread.

19.6 Over: Pandya ran in for the final delivery, bowling outside off, eluding Shuvagata Hom's reach. Dhoni, with remarkable agility, ran towards the stumps, discarding a glove en route. Mustafizur Rahman, attempting a desperate bye, was caught short of the crease. Dhoni's run-out sealed the match - India won by one run in a breathtaking finish.

The Indian players exulted in their narrow escape. Kohli celebrated wildly, Pandya collapsed in relief, and Dhoni, ever the strategist, had once again demonstrated his cool under pressure. Bangladesh, despite their valiant effort, fell agonizingly short. The match, now etched in memory, was a testament to the nerve-wracking beauty of T20 cricket.

Mike, a spectator, summed up the sentiment: "Gutted for Bangladesh. A game of such fine margins." Rummy's comment echoed the growing respect for Bangladesh: "Don't call it an upset if Bangladesh defeats a top team."

As the crowd dispersed, the narrative of the game continued to unfold in discussions and analyses, a thrilling chapter in the annals of World T20 cricket.