Nidahas Tri Nation T20 International Played at Premadasa Stadium Colombo
India 176/3 (Rohit Sharma 89* , Suresh Raina 47, ShikharDhawan 35, RubelHossain 2/27 ) beat Bangladesh 159/6 ( Mushfiqur Rahim 72* , SabbirRahman 27 , WashintonSundar 3/22) by 17 Runs.
Planned aggressive batting by Indian Captain Rohit Sharma and penetrative spin bowling of Washington Sundar proved too much for Bangladesh in a closely contested group match of Nidahas Tri Nation T20 tournament. Chasing a target off of 177 Bangladesh could reach 159 /6. India confirmed its berth for the final on Sunday 18 March. Bangladesh has fight out for the other finalist against the host Sri Lanka on Friday 16 March. Playing on the slowest wicket so far the superior batting and bowling skill overwhelmed Bangladesh. Having put into bat senior professionals Rohit Shikhar and Suresh applied their wealth of experience in posting a descent total of 176/3 in their allotted overs. Response to these required a planned batting strategy. Bangladesh required a solid opening partnership. But Liton and Soumya got out playing very ordinary strokes and Tamim looking in prime form also could not convert his good start. It was all left to inform Mushfique to carry on Bangladesh challenge. Mahmuddullah and Shabbir could not stay long enough with him. Mushfique produced yet another great unbeaten innings of 72. But his best fell short by 17 runs. Indians bowled with purpose and squeezed Bangladesh to yet another loss against them. Bangladesh is yet to win any T20 international against India.
Bangladesh won the toss and keeping up with the tradition of the tournament so far put India into bat. Out of sorts Taskin was replaced with Abu Hider Rony. Wicket was a bit slower and balls were not coming to the bat and appeared a bit double paced. Very experienced Rohit and Shikhar played with maturity. Unfortunately Bangladeshi bowlers were seen struggling with line and length. Playing cautiously the opening pair set a strong foundation of in 9.5 overs when Rubel , the best bowler of Bangladesh on the day clean bowled Dhawan for 35. At that stage it was thought that India may not go beyond 150. But Suresh Raina joining Rohit started stepping up the gear smoking aggressive strokes all around. 102 priceless runs were added in the next 10.2 overs before Raina again was picked up by Rubel in the last over of the innings. But by then he did the damage scoring 47 off 30 balls with five fours and two sixes. Prolific Rohit got himself run out on the last ball of the innings scoring 89 of 61 deliveries striking five fours and five sixes. Given the nature of the wicket and circumstance of the match it appeared 20 runs too many for Bangladesh to chase.
It was expected that Bangladesh would move a calculative approach in chasing the challenging target. Washington Sundar is not a great spinner who should have worried Bangladeshi top order. Team Management should have had some home homework how to bat against key Indian bowlers. But it appeared Bangladesh had no strategy no planning. Liton was in a hurry dancing down the wicket before setting his eye in. Soumya looked novice against a turning delivery. Tamim played some gorgeous strokes before throwing away his wicket. All three fell to Sundar. At 40/3 within power play, Bangladesh chase lost way. Mushfique and Mahmudullah could still do the resurrecting act. But Mahmudullah also appeared in a hurry. Trying to loft Chahal out of the park he also threw his wicket leaving it all to Mushfique. It was still possible if Sabbir could stay longer. Mushfique again appeared in golden touch. The pair put on 65 useful run befor brain freeze caused Sabbir his wicket when his job was staying with Mushfique. By the time Sabbir got out it was already too late. India is too good a team to throwing towel. Mushfique batted superbly for yet another 72 not out. But his best could only reduce the margin of defeat to 17 runs.
Bangladesh bowling looks pretty ordinary and batting looks inconsistent. If they can change in a day it may win on Friday or otherwise though being the strongest outfit on paper it may have book early air ticket to return home. India and Sri Lanka have better team management for mentoring their team and setting strategy.
BDST: 1403 HRS, MAR 15, 2018
AP
