In a nail-biting finish, India defeated Bangladesh by 12 runs in the first One-Day International (ODI) of their three-match series at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on Sunday, October 12. Chasing India’s 296, Bangladesh fought valiantly but fell short at 284, thanks to a fiery spell by Jasprit Bumrah (4/48) and a composed century by Virat Kohli (120). The match, attended by 55,000 fans, kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final ball.
India’s Batting: Kohli Shines, Middle Order Stumbles
India won the toss and opted to bat first. Openers Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill provided a steady start, adding 78 runs in 14 overs. Gill (42) fell lbw to Mustafizur Rahman, but Kohli anchored the innings. He built partnerships with Shreyas Iyer (35) and Rishabh Pant (28), reaching his 80th ODI century in the 35th over. His 120-run knock included 12 fours and 2 sixes.
However, India’s middle order collapsed under pressure from Bangladesh’s spinners. Shakib Al Hasan (2/52) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (2/47) struck at regular intervals. A late cameo by Ravindra Jadeja (22* off 14) pushed India to 296 in 49.3 overs. Mustafizur (3/59) was Bangladesh’s standout bowler.
Bangladesh’s Chase: Hridoy, Shakib Fight Back
Bangladesh began aggressively, with Towhid Hridoy (68) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (45) adding 103 runs for the third wicket. Just as the game seemed to slip away, Bumrah dismissed Shanto and Hridoy in quick succession. Captain Shakib Al Hasan (54) counterattacked, smashing Kuldeep Yadav for three sixes. At 220/5 in the 40th over, Bangladesh needed 77 runs with five wickets left.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (33) and Taskin Ahmed (29*) kept hopes alive with a 48-run partnership. With 20 runs needed off 12 balls, Bumrah returned to dismiss Mehidy and Shoriful Islam in the 49th over. Taskin hit two sixes in the final over, but Mohammed Siraj trapped Mustafizur lbw on the last ball, sealing India’s win.
Key Performances
Virat Kohli: His 120 earned him Player of the Match.
Jasprit Bumrah: His 4/48 included crucial breakthroughs.
Towhid Hridoy: His 68 kept Bangladesh in the hunt.
Post-Match Reactions
Indian captain Rohit Sharma praised Kohli and Bumrah: “Virat’s experience is priceless. Bumrah’s yorkers in the death overs were game-changers.” Bangladesh’s Shakib lamented missed chances: “We should’ve finished better, but I’m proud of our fight.”
Series Context
This win gives India a 1-0 lead in the series. The second ODI will be played in Cuttack on October 15. Both teams are using this series to prepare for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Crowd and Conditions
The Eden Gardens pitch favored batsmen early but slowed later, aiding spinners. Fans created a vibrant atmosphere, chanting for Kohli and cheering Bangladesh’s late surge. Light rain during the innings break caused a 20-minute delay but did not reduce overs.
Looking Ahead
Bangladesh will aim to level the series, while India seeks to test bench strength. All eyes will be on young stars like India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal and Bangladesh’s Rishad Hossain in the upcoming matches.