Despite a promising start, Bangladesh struggled to set a challenging total against India in their World Cup 2023 clash in Pune on Thursday.

Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first.

They managed to score 256 for eight in their allotted 50 overs. While Bangladesh were off to a strong start, reaching 90 for none after the 14th over, it was anticipated that they would surpass the 300-run mark.

In the initial 10 overs, Bangladesh accumulated 63 runs without losing a wicket. Litton Das and Tanzid Hasan Tamim laid a solid foundation after a somewhat shaky start in the first 4-5 overs. At the five-over mark, Bangladesh was at a mere 10 runs. 

The following five overs saw an acceleration, with Bangladesh scoring 53 runs—well over 10 runs per over.

Tanzid’s performance was particularly impressive. He achieved his inaugural fifty in just 41 balls, including three sixes and five fours. This marked the first half-century by a Bangladesh opener in this World Cup.

However, Litton, after hitting a fifty, struggled to accelerate when Bangladesh needed it most. He fell victim to a loose shot towards long on.

The middle-order, including Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, failed to impress, indicating that frequent changes in their batting positions may have impacted their performance.

Towhid Hridoy made a somewhat steady start, but despite playing 35 balls, he never looked settled in the middle. He made 16.

While Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj were impressive, each taking two wickets, Bumrah conceded 41 runs in 10 overs, while Siraj gave away 60 off his 10 overs.

Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad promised a strong partnership in the last 10 overs, but with Mushfiqur’s dismissal, Bangladesh missed that opportunity. He fell for 38. Mahmudullah played until the second ball of the last over. He survived a close call with an lbw appeal off the first ball of the last over. 

In the next ball, one of the best in the innings, Mahmudullah lost his stumps to Bumrah, illustrating a textbook yorker.

Before falling to Bumrah, Mahmudullah hit 46 off 36 balls, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure even at the age of 37— which nearly barred him from participating in this World Cup. 

Shorfiul Islam hit a big six off the last ball of the innings, bringing Bangladesh's total to 256.

While not a massive total, it provides Bangladesh's bowlers with something to defend.

Bangladesh are playing without their regular captain Shakib Al Hasan, who suffered a muscle injury in the last match against New Zealand and was ruled out of this game. Nasum Ahmed was added to replace him.