While Bangladesh struggled to score 120 runs in 15 overs, India achieved the target in less than 14 overs

There is no doubt that over the years, the Indian cricket team has evolved into one of the most dominant teams in the world. The Men in Blue, in recent years, have tasted success by winning ICC trophies and are presently only second behind Australia when it comes to ICC trophy tally, with seven to their name. However, in Asia, India stands atop with a record nine Asia Cup trophies won across the ODI and T20I formats.

On this day, i.e., March 6, 2016, India lifted a record sixth trophy by defeating Bangladesh in Mirpur—a game that was limited to only 15 overs for both sides due to rain.

A mixed bowling

Bangladesh had a wobbly start to their innings, thanks to the Indian bowling department that grabbed wickets at regular intervals and did not allow the Bangladesh batters to stabilise. Only two batters, Sabbir Rahman and Mahmudullah, made notable contributions with the bat by scoring 32 runs and 33 runs, respectively.

India win a rain-affected Asia Cup Final, as they beat Bangladesh by 8 wickets #BanvInd #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/KrtWQTMPue

— ICC (@ICC) March 6, 2016

The Indian bowling, even though it stopped Bangladesh at 120, could’ve done better had Ashish Nehra and Hardik Pandya not given away runs at an average of 11 in their respective three overs. In fact, Mahmudullah was the only Bangladesh player who played the game in the truest T20 manner, hitting his 33 runs in 13 deliveries at a strike rate of 253.84.

A quick chase

For a star-studded Indian lineup, the target of 120 meant a walk in the park. Although Rohit Sharma left the crease early, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli took the responsibility on themselves and hit the Bangladesh bowlers left, right and centre. Dhawan scored 60 runs in 44 balls, whereas Kohli added 41 runs in 28; both batters registered close to a strike rate of 140.

MS DHONI OWNING BANGLADESH pic.twitter.com/wYcAVNerUt

— Batman𓃵 (@224Chepauk) February 22, 2026

Finally, a classic Mahendra Singh Dhoni finished the game when Dhawan left. He walked onto the pitch and scored 20 runs in merely six balls at a whopping strike rate of 333.33.

India won the game by eight wickets and seven balls to spare.

No dominion

Although India won the tournament, the Men in Blue did not dominate the top performers’ tables. Hardik Pandya was India’s best bowler with seven wickets, but UAE’s Amjad Javed grabbed 12 to become the highest wicket taker. In terms of runs, Virat Kohli was India’s best run scorer at 4th, whereas Hong Kong’s Babar Hayat scored 194 runs to grab the top spot. Nonetheless, India did what mattered the most and added a trophy to its cabinet.

Since then, India has won three more Asia Cup trophies and currently has nine, the highest by a nation.