Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Bangladesh staged a fine comeback to restrict India to 168 for 6 in their Asia Cup Super Four meeting, after the Indian openers threatened to run away with the game.
India looked set for a huge total when Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill powered them to 72 in the powerplay.
Asked to bat first, Abhishek blazed his way to a 37-ball 75, peppered with six fours and five sixes, while Gill chipped in with 29. At that stage, a score in excess of 200 seemed inevitable.
The tide began to turn in the ninth over when leg-spinner Rishad Hossain dismissed Gill and then removed Shivam Dube soon after.
He followed up with a brilliant piece of fielding at backward point, producing a direct hit to run out Abhishek Sharma. That moment proved the turning point of the innings, draining India of the momentum they had built.
The middle overs became a struggle for the Indians. Captain Suryakumar Yadav scratched his way to 5 off 11 before falling to Mustafizur Rahman, while Tilak Varma never settled.
Hardik Pandya offered some resistance with a 29-ball 38, but Bangladesh’s bowlers kept a tight grip, refusing to let India accelerate.
Rishad finished with 2 for 29 and a run-out, the standout performer in a disciplined collective effort.
Mustafizur, Saifuddin and Tanzim Hasan Sakib chipped in with a wicket apiece, keeping India to a total far below what once looked possible.
Axar Patel limped to 10 not out from 15 deliveries as India stumbled through the death overs, unable to cash in.