 | « Back to article | Print this article |
PHOTOS: Kohli, Rahane hand India a winning start in Asia Cup
Virat Kohli led from the front with a sparkling century, and was well-supported by Ajinkya Rahane, as India scored a convincing six-wicket win over Bangladesh in their opening match of the Asia Cup on Wednesday.
Chasing a stiff 280 runs for victory, Kohli smashed a brilliant 122-ball 136, while Rahane helped himself to an 83-ball 73, as the visitors attained the target with six balls to spare.
For Bangladesh, Abdur Razzaq, Rubel Hossail, Sohag Gazi and Ziaur Rahman picked a wicket each.
Earlier, Bangladesh rode on a fine century from skipper Mushfiqur Rahim to post a competitive 279-7.
Shami tested the Bangladesh batsmen early on
After India skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and invited Bangladesh to bat first, the first hour was a testing time for the openers as Mohammed Shami, who finished with four wickets, bowled a tight line and length.
Persisting with an off-stump line, he found some outside edges that went in the vacant slip region as Anamul Haque and Shamsur Rahman batted tentatively, before Shami got the desired result. His short delivery was mistimed by Shamsur Rahman (7) and played back for an easy catch to the bowler.
Mushfiqur showed solid resilience
Mushfiqur, who smashed 117 off 113 balls, was hit on his ribs by a nasty beamer from Varun Aaron. However, the diminutive captain showed enough resilience to complete his second ODI century.
It was a first for Bangladesh against India since Alok Kapali's ton in the 2008 Asia Cup.
The 25-year-old started his innings patiently with Animul going freely at the other end, but after the opener's dismissal, the skipper came into his own, hitting two sixes and seven fours.
Anamul and Mushfiqur added 133 runs for the third wicket
Anamul and Mushfiqur laid the foundation for a substantial total.
The duo was involved in a 133-run third wicket partnership that came after Bangladesh were reduced to 49 for two in the 13th over.
Despite the big partnership, though, the lower order failed to fire against a side that boasts of a strong batting line-up.
Mushfiqur scored his second ODI century
The innings then belonged to Mushfiqur, who showed resolute spirit despite being hit badly to complete the milestone century for Bangladesh.
It was his second career century, and a timely one at that.
It was also the 25-year-old's highest ODI score, besting his 101.
Shikhar falls cheaply after cautious start
Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma opened the Indian innings cautiously, but just when they appeared to have settled down Abdur Razzaq dealt the first blow, dismissing the former for 28 off 44 balls that included five fours.
Looking to sweep the ball, Dhawan missed the line and was trapped plumb in front of the stumps.
Rohit fails to fire
Ziaur Rahman gave Bangladesh its second success by castling Rohit Sharma for 21 in the 13th over.
The batsman missed the line of the ball completely and could only look back to find his off-stump uprooted.
He scored one four and a six in his 29-ball stay at the crease.
India were reduced to 54 for 2.