IND vs BAN, 2nd T20I: Delhi is building up towards the second T20I against Bangladesh on October 9th, and the fans are just reminiscing over two thrilling games that will never fade. The first was India’s last T20I at this venue in 2022 when they lost to South Africa despite piling up 211 runs, which were chased down quite easily by the visitors as the hosts conceded 212 runs.
Must be counted among these is the massive thriller to be presented by the IPL 2024 between Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. The record that Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head set with 125 runs is simply a mind-boggling stunner in T20 history.
Run-Fest Ground
Historically, Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium has been a batters’ paradise. In the seven T20I matches held here, 2231 runs have been scored off just 1638 deliveries, which works out to an impressive average run rate of 8.17. This T20I series gives Bangladesh’s bowling unit a challenge before they can head to Hyderabad to level the series with a decider.
More statistics from the IPL 2024 further reflect the batting-friendly nature of Delhi, recording the highest average run rate at 11.2. Teams kept going past the 200-run mark with eight such instances across five matches. A whopping 134 sixes were hit, averaging about 27 per game.
India’s Dynamic Opener
Abhishek Sharma has particularly been deadlier at this venue scoring 176 runs in five matches at an amazing average of 58.66 and strike rate of 217.28. Other Indian batters too have great records here, so it still gets harder for the Bangladeshi bowlers.
Bangladesh’s Bowling Scenario
Bangladesh’s bowlers have taken 115 wickets across 360.1 overs, averaging 22.63 and an economy rate of 7.22. But the bowlers failed in the first match of this series as India chased down 128 runs with seven wickets to spare and 49 balls to go.
Reflecting upon the bowling line-up, Mahmudullah, who has recently announced his retirement from T20Is, appeared to be upbeat. “We have a range of both pace and spin bowling, and although our bowling was not all that great in the last match, it would be a bit too harsh to judge us on one performance. We need to come out of our comfort zone and look at victory,” he said.
Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh said they needed to be adaptable on batting-friendly tracks like Delhi. “We approach the match with a neutral mindset, ready to adjust to the conditions as they unfold,” he noted.
All eyes will be on whether Bangladesh can sustain the confidence from that solitary T20 victory over India at this venue in 2019. All the action of a promising thriller, however, will play out on the field.
Also Read: India Soars As Favorites For Thrilling High-Scoring Showdown In Delhi!
