Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bat first in the game. However, they put up a disappointing batting effort and were held to 256/8 as Jasprit Bumrah (2/41), Mohammed Siraj (2/60) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/38) made significant contributions. In the chase, Rohit Sharma (48 off 40) and Shubman Gill (53 off 55) laid the foundation for the chase. Virat Kohli (103 not out off 97) then took the side home, notching up his 48th ODI ton and 78th in international cricket.
Earlier, Bangladesh openers Tanzid Hasan (51 off 43) and Litton Das (66 off 82) got the team off to a solid start, adding 93 for the first wicket. Kuldeep Yadav got the much-needed breakthrough for India, trapping Hasan leg before. Jadeja also had Najmul Hossain Shanto leg before for 8.
Bangladesh suffered a big setback when Mehidy Hasan Miraz (3) was caught down leg off Siraj, brilliantly caught by a diving KL Rahul. Having lost three wickets in quick succession, Bangladesh needed the set Das to carry on and smash a big score. However, he too perished soon after, caught in the deep while trying to go after Jadeja.
Towhid Hridoy (16 off 35) looked completely out of sorts and was put out of his misery by Shardul Thakur. Mushfiqur Rahim (38 off 46) made a crucial contribution before brilliantly caught by Jadeja off Bumrah’s bowling. Mahmudullah’s 46 off 36 ensured Bangladesh finished a fighting score.
In the chase, Rohit and Gill looked in sublime form. Rohit struck seven fours and two sixes before perishing to a pull off Hasan Mahmud. Gill also fell immediately after crossing his fifty. The opener attempted a big heave off Mehidy Hasan Miraz, but was brilliantly caught on the ropes at deep mid-wicket by Mahmudullah.
Kohli, however, ensured that there was no hiccup in India’s chase. He hit six fours and four sixes and looked in cruise control during his stay at the crease. He brought up three figures and India’s win by lofting Nasum Ahmed for a maximum by coming down the track. At the other end, KL Rahul was unbeaten on a run-a-ball 34.
--By A Cricket Correspondent
