Published By: Sanchari Das

IND vs BAN T20I: When Bangladesh Batted Hard to Contain Indian Bowlers Ft. Top Three Targets Ever Posted

As the upcoming T20I series unfolds, Bangladesh will aim to convert these flashes of brilliance into consistent success against India

After a dominant performance in the Test series, India now turns its attention to a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, starting on October 6. While Rohit Sharma's side comfortably swept the Test series, T20 cricket often presents a level playing field. Suryakumar Yadav will lead India, while Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead Bangladesh. The opening T20I match will be held at the newly-constructed Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior. The series will then move to New Delhi and Hyderabad for the remaining matches.

India and Bangladesh have faced each other in 14 T20I matches, with India winning 13 and Bangladesh claiming a single victory. Despite this lopsided record, Bangladesh's fighting spirit in the shortest format cannot be underestimated. They've managed some impressive totals against India over the years, proving that they can challenge the Men in Blue on any given day. Let's take a look at Bangladesh's top three highest T20I totals against India.


Nidahas Trophy Final: 166

Bangladesh posted their highest-ever T20I total against India in the 2018 Nidahas Trophy final, scoring 166/8 in Colombo. Sabbir Rahman starred with the bat, playing a match-defining knock of 77 off 50 balls. His innings, laced with seven fours and four sixes, provided the backbone for Bangladesh after early setbacks, including the quick dismissals of Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das. Mahmudullah (21) and a late surge from Mehidy Hasan Miraz (19* off 7 balls) helped Bangladesh finish on a competitive note.

India, however, chased down the target in a dramatic last-ball finish, with Dinesh Karthik's sensational 29* off 8 balls stealing the spotlight. Despite valiant efforts from Rubel Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman, who each claimed two wickets, Bangladesh fell short by four wickets. 

Mushfiqur Rahim's half-century went in vain in a losing effort // Picture Courtesy -- ESPN Cricinfo

2018 Nidahas Trophy: 159

In another closely contested match during the same 2018 Nidahas Trophy, Bangladesh posted their second-highest T20I total against India, scoring 159/6 while chasing 177. Mushfiqur Rahim was the standout performer, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 72 off 55 balls. His controlled knock, featuring eight boundaries and a six, kept Bangladesh in the hunt, despite the early loss of key wickets, including Tamim Iqbal (27) and Litton Das.

Washington Sundar struck early, taking three wickets in his opening spell // Picture Courtesy -- ESPN Cricinfo

India's disciplined bowling, led by Washington Sundar's 3/22, restricted Bangladesh's scoring opportunities. Although Sabbir Rahman (27) and Mahmudullah (11) offered some resistance, Bangladesh ultimately fell short by 17 runs. Mushfiqur's innings was a highlight of the match, showcasing his ability to build partnerships and absorb pressure in challenging situations.


2009 ICC World Cup T20: 155

Bangladesh's third-highest T20I total against India came during the 2009 ICC World Cup T20, where they scored 155/8 in a 25-run defeat. India, led by Gautam Gambhir's half-century (50 off 46 balls) and Yuvraj Singh's explosive 41 off 18, posted 180/5. Despite Shakib Al Hasan's economical spell of 1/24, Bangladesh's bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batters, with Rubel Hossain proving expensive, conceding 49 runs in his four overs.

Pragyan Ojha dazzles as India's top force in the field  // Picture Courtesy -- ESPN Cricinfo

Zunaed Siddique provided some fireworks for Bangladesh, smashing 41 off 22 balls with two fours and three sixes. However, the regular loss of wickets hampered their chase. Tamim Iqbal (15 off 10) and Mohammad Ashraful (11 off 9) failed to capitalise on starts, while Shakib managed just eight runs. Pragyan Ojha's 4/21 proved to be the decisive factor, with support from Ishant Sharma (2/34), as India sealed a comfortable victory. Despite the defeat, Bangladesh's competitive total highlighted their ability to push India to the brink.