Riding on the thumping knocks of opener Virender Sehwag (175)and Virat Kohli(100 no), India trounced Bangladesh by 87 runs in the opening match of the World Cup played at Mirpur yesterday.

Sehwag lived up to his pretournament statement that he would be  playing out the 50-overs, racking up his 14th century in one-dayers, his second in the World Cup.  Sehwag’s blazing knock of 175 contained 15 fours and 5 mighty sixes. Bangladesh Captain Shakib Al Hasan inserted India in  after having won the toss.Sehwag’s partner, Sachin flourished briefly before he was run out for 28 in a mix-up with Sehwag.

Virat Kohli, making his first appearance in the World Cup, matched with Sehwag’s aggressive knock, posted an unbeaten first century, fifth in ODIs. The duo of Sehwag and Virat Kohli put on 203 runs for the third wicket. Virat Kohli ensured that India set the toughest chase for Bangladesh to win the match. India went on to pile up a mammoth 370  losing  just four wickets.  

Bangladesh made a spirited chase  as Bangladesh’s opener Tamim Iqbal made an impressive 70. Shakib Al Hassan followed it up with captain’s innings of 55.  In the end, 371 was far too good for the Bangladesh batsmen as they were bowled out for 283. For India, speedster Munaf Patel bagged four wickets, yet again strengthening the case that he is a true match winning bowler for India.

India next meets England at Eden Gardens on 27th Feb.