Skipper Shakib Al Hasan’s splendid innings of 80, combined with an inspired bowling performance, propelled Bangladesh to a consolation six-run victory over India in the ultimate Super Four encounter of the Asia Cup on Friday.
India, having already secured their place in Sunday’s final against Sri Lanka in Colombo, faced challenges in their pursuit of the 266-run target, despite opener Shubman Gill’s heroic 121.
Mustafizur Rahman showcased his bowling prowess by claiming three crucial wickets, while debutant Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Mahedi Hasan secured two each. This combined effort from the Bangladeshi bowlers led to India’s downfall, as they were dismissed for 259, concluding Bangladesh’s tournament on a high note before the impending ODI World Cup.
India tactically rested key players such as Virat Kohli and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for this inconsequential encounter.
Captain Rohit Sharma made the strategic decision to bowl first, aiming to evaluate their batting performance under the challenging lights, which had proven to be problematic during the Sri Lanka leg of the tournament hosted by Pakistan.
Bangladesh initially struggled at 59-4, but a remarkable 101-run partnership between Shakib and Towhid Hridoy, who contributed 54, resurrected their innings. With valuable contributions from the lower order, Bangladesh managed to post a competitive total of 265-8 in their allotted 50 overs.
Hridoy and Shakib exhibited an aggressive approach, consistently finding the boundary, until pace bowler Shardul Thakur returned for a second spell and dismissed Shakib. Ravindra Jadeja joined the wicket-taking party by claiming his 200th ODI wicket, but Hridoy continued his aggressive stance and reached his fifty with a boundary before falling to Shami.
Nasum Ahmed, a left-arm spinner with a reputation for slogging with the bat, chipped in with a valuable 44, while Mahedi added 29 to the total. Thakur finished with three wickets, while Shami’s figures read 2-32.
In response, India encountered early trouble as Rohit Sharma was dismissed in the very first over, caught out off Taskina, a 20-year-old fast bowler, who struck again to leave India struggling at 17-2.
Gill, however, displayed remarkable resilience and forged crucial partnerships with KL Rahul (19) and later with Suryakumar Yadav (26). Nevertheless, the Bangladeshi bowlers continued to chip away at India’s batting lineup.
Gill, who showcased his brilliance with eight fours and five sixes during his 133-ball knock, reached his century off Tanzim Hasan Sakib and acknowledged his achievement to the dressing room. He continued his aggressive approach, even smashing Mahedi for a colossal six over mid-wicket. Yet, the bowler had the last word, dismissing Gill in the very next ball, caught out.
Axar Patel attempted to stage a late comeback with his 34-ball 42 but ultimately succumbed to Mustafizur, and India’s innings concluded with just 1 ball to spare.
Bangladesh concluded their tournament campaign with two wins, including a victory in the group stage against Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, Babar Azam’s Pakistan faced elimination from the tournament after suffering defeat in a knockout Super Four clash against Sri Lanka at the same venue.
