T20 World Cup 2022, India vs Bangladesh: Most Valuable Player


image-l9zndyuxKL Rahul and Virat Kohli (Source: AP Newsroom)

India edged Bangladesh in a cliff hanger at Adelaide. It was a do or die match for both the teams where the 'Men in Blue' held their nerves during the crunch situation and won the match. 

Bangladesh won the toss and invited India to bat first in the match. In their batting effort, India lost Rohit Sharma early but Virat Kohli and KL Rahul stabilised the ship for India. 

A vintage KL and Virat partnership

KL scored 50 runs off 32 deliveries with 3 fours and 4 sixes. 27% of India's runs came from Rahul and his innings ensured that India had the foundation to go big in the end. 

On the other Kohli displayed his class once again. He remained unbeaten on 64 runs off 44 balls with 8 fours and 1 six. Kohli scored nearly 35% of the team's runs. 

Both KL and Kohli's knocks were very important to India's cause and they helped India reach a par total on a batting friendly wicket. 

But when India came into field, Litton Das (60 off 27) decided to take things in his own hand. He attacked the Indian bowlers form the very beginning and because of this at the end of the powerplay phase, Bangladesh was well on course. 

Bangladesh Innings and turning point of the match

Rain interrupted the match in the 7th over of Bangladesh's innings when they were 66 without the loss of any wicket. They needed 119 runs off 78 deliveries and the momentum was completely in their favour, when the players walked off the field. 

After rain ceased and play resumed, Bangladesh needed 85 runs form 9 overs. It was easy given the numbers on the scoreboard, but what the numbers did not show was the loss of momentum for the Bangladesh batters due to the break.

As play resumed KL Rahul effected a brilliant run out from the deep. He got a direct hit from the outfield which dismissed Litton Das, who was literally taking the match away from India. As Litton walked back Bangladesh's efforts started to fall apart and in the end they fall short of India's total by just 5 runs. 

The 'MVP' of the match

image-l9znfpxcKL Rahul (Source: AP Newsroom)

The Man of the Match award was given to Virat Kohli for his invaluable innings. But if the situation of the match and the importance of the direct hit is considered along with the runs that he contributed, it was KL Rahul, who was the Most Valuable Player for India in the match. 

A dismal run with the bat ended, and Rahul was completely a different man on the field. So, this might be the beginning of a turn around of a bi-lateral scourge into a man of the big moments. 


Also Read: T20 World Cup 2022, IND vs BAN: Bowlers' brilliance helps India pip Bangladesh