Opener Sanju Samson's blistering century powered India to a massive 133-run victory over Bangladesh in the final T20 match on Saturday, securing a 3-0 series sweep.
Samson's maiden T20 international century helped India set a record-breaking total of 297-6, the highest ever by a Test-playing nation in the format.
India's total surpassed Afghanistan's previous record of 278-3 against Ireland in 2019 and is the second-highest in all T20 internationals, following Nepal's 314-3 against Mongolia at last year's Asian Games.
Samson, who smashed 111 runs off just 47 balls, hit 11 fours and eight sixes in a scintillating knock after India opted to bat first. His extraordinary innings saw him take on Bangladesh's bowlers with ease, notably hammering leg-spinner Rishad Hossain for five consecutive sixes in one over. Samson's ton came off 40 balls, and he was named player of the match for his explosive batting display.
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who scored 75 off 35 balls, played a key role in a 173-run partnership for the second wicket with Samson. Despite Suryakumar's impressive knock, Samson's fireworks took center stage. India's total of 297-6 also surpassed their previous best of 260-5, set against Sri Lanka in 2017.
In response, Bangladesh struggled to keep up with the mammoth target, managing only 164-7 in their 20 overs. Towhid Hridoy (63* off 44 balls) and Litton Das (42) offered resistance, but it wasn't enough as India's bowlers, led by leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi with 3 wickets, dismantled the Bangladesh batting lineup.
The match marked the farewell of former Bangladesh skipper Mahmudullah Riyad, who played his final T20 international. He managed just eight runs before being dismissed by India's pacer Mayank Yadav. Mahmudullah received a warm send-off from the Indian players, including Suryakumar Yadav, who patted him on the back as he walked off the field.
Reflecting on India's performance, Suryakumar said, "We achieved a lot as a team. I want to have selfless cricketers. We want to enjoy each others' success. We are having some fun."
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto acknowledged his team's shortcomings in the series, saying, "We didn't play our best cricket. We didn't execute our plans as a batting unit in all the three matches."
Hardik Pandya also played a pivotal role in India's charge, scoring 47 off 18 balls, while Riyan Parag added a quickfire 34 off 13 deliveries to pile further pressure on Bangladesh.
Pandya, who scored 118 runs, took one wicket, and made five catches over the three matches, was named the player of the series for his all-round contributions.
With the T20 series wrapped up, India's attention now shifts to their upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand, led by Rohit Sharma, starting next week in Bengaluru.
