Published By: Sayan Guha

Five 50+ Knocks by Bangladesh Batters Against India in T20Is – But Only One Led to Victory

Despite heroic fifties, Bangladeshi batters have often found themselves on the losing end against India in T20Is

India's Test series victory against Bangladesh came as no surprise. Rohit Sharma led his boys to a comfortable 2-0 clean sweep at Green Park in Kanpur. The series, which saw exceptional performances from India's bowlers, has now set the ground for a fascinating three-match T20I series starting on October 6. If you thought the Test series was tough, the Twenty20s will elevate the stakes even higher.

However, although most people associate India with domination, Bangladesh's story has typically been one of perseverance, particularly in T20 cricket. They've been agonisingly close several times, and there have been instances when Bangladeshi batters scored massive runs that, in most situations, should've clinched the deal.

Nonetheless, India outscored them head-to-head, 13-1. Want proof? Let's look at five occasions where Bangladeshi batters scored 50+ runs against India in T20Is, yet four lost.

Mohammad Naim 81 – Nagpur, 2019

Imagine this: You are watching Bangladesh chase 175 against India. Mohammad Naim walks forward, and boy, does he deliver! With a blazing 81 off 48 balls, he blasts the Indian bowlers to all corners. Seven boundaries and three sixes, and it appears that India is losing control of the game.

But cricket is a beautiful game. Deepak Chahar felt it was his chance to shine, going 6-for-7 with a hat-trick to turn the match around. Despite Naim's heroics, Bangladesh suffered a 30-run defeat. 

Sabbir Rahman77 – Colombo, 2018

Remember the Nidahas Trophy Final? The one in which Dinesh Karthik played the best innings of his career? Before Karthik's spectacular climax, there was Sabbir Rahman. His 77 off 50 balls was a base of Bangladesh's total of 166. Sabbir played with such controlled intensity that you could almost feel Bangladesh's hopes resting entirely on his shoulders.

Sabbir Rahman playing a late-cut during his innings against India // Picture Courtesy – The Statesman

Then came the Karthik blitz. Bangladesh had it, but then they didn't. Regrettably, Sabbir's innings became a footnote to Karthik's last-ball six, as India won by four wickets.

Mushfiqur Rahim 72 – Colombo, 2018

Mushfiqur Rahim is no stranger to hard strikes. In another Nidahas Trophy encounter, Mushfiqur scored an undefeated 72 off 55 balls against India. His coolness under pressure was remarkable, especially because Bangladesh was pursuing 177. 

But, as we all know, Rohit Sharma (86) had different intentions that day. India's bowlers did just enough, and despite Mushfiqur's best efforts, Bangladesh were 17 runs short.

Mushfiqur Rahim 60*– Delhi, 2019

If you think Mushfiqur's previous performance was spectacular, fast forward to the first T20I in Delhi in 2019. Bangladesh was on precarious footing as they chased 148, but Mushfiqur saved them again. His undefeated 60 from 43 balls was a masterpiece in timing, and he led his team to a historic seven-wicket victory over India, their first in eight T20Is.

But wait a second; wasn't this about losing causes? True. However, you must make an exception when a batter produces as Mushfiqur did that day. It was not in vain this time!

Litton Das60 – Adelaide, 2022

The most recent heartbreak occurred during the 2022 T20 World Cup. Bangladesh were chasing 185, and Litton Das got them off to a great start, scoring 60 off just 27 balls. Bangladesh had seven fours and three sixes, and it appeared the game was theirs to lose. India's bowlers were unsettled, and the rain delay just added to the tension.

Unfortunately, cricket can be brutal at times. Litton's run-out during a rain delay drastically changed the game, and Bangladesh lost by five runs (DLS method). Litton's performance was one of the greatest you'll watch, but it wasn't meant to be.