|| CF DESK ||

Bangladesh have failed to capitalize their only warm-up match against strong India before the start of 9^th T20I World Cup as one time winner India beat Bangladesh by 61 runs in New York on Saturday.

Mahmudullah was the standout performer for Bangladesh, scoring 40 off 28 balls before retiring after the 18th over to give other batters a chance. Despite his efforts, Bangladesh ended their innings at 122-9 while chasing India's formidable target of 183 runs.

The Tigers' top-order struggles were evident once again. Soumya Sarkar and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto were both dismissed without scoring, and Liton Das managed only six runs. Shakib Al Hasan remained at the crease for 34 balls but seemed out of form, contributing just 28 runs.

For India, pacer Arshdeep Singh and part-time medium pacer Shivam Dube claimed two wickets each, helping their team secure a comfortable victory.

Earlier, India's Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya led a spirited batting display, propelling their team to a formidable 182 for five.

Pant dazzled with a rapid 32-ball 53, featuring four towering sixes and as many boundaries, before retiring out.

His explosive innings laid a solid foundation for India's total. Following Pant's departure, Hardik Pandya continued the onslaught, delivering a scintillating unbeaten 40 off just 23 balls.

Pandya's innings included four massive sixes and two fours, providing the late fireworks to boost India's score.

Bangladesh's spinners made notable contributions, with Sheikh Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, and Tanvir Islam each claiming a wicket.

Bangladesh will now look to regroup as they begin their T20 World Cup campaign with a Group D match against Sri Lanka on June 8.