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The Quarter Final match between unbeaten India and surprising Bangladesh resulted in India’s victory with many turns on the playground. Indian openers started the match with slow and steady approach till 15 overs, but the fall of Shikar Dhawan at 16.3 overs where India was 75 runs resulted in confusion as the first down Virat Kohli came and gone with just 3 runs in 8 struggled balls.
Ajinkya Rahane tried to settle well on the field, but Taskin Ahmed sent him to the pavilion at 19 runs of his individual score and India was at 115 in 27.5 overs. Suresh Raina who came after Rahane has cooperated Rohit Sharma in a nice way and elevated the winning chances with balanced gaming. Raina scored 65 runs in 57 deliveries with 7 fours and 1 six, but went back to pavilion by Bangla captain Mortaza’s bowling. Rohit and Raina have rided the game towards success after settling with confidence.
After the departure of Raina MS Dhoni entered the crease but has not shown his regular performance. At a moment India looked strong enough to score more than 330 runs as Rohit Sharma on full swing after completing his ton in 108 balls. Rohit Sharma who was roaring with boundaries was bowled in Taskin Ahmed hand at 137 runs of individual score (in 126 balls with 14 fours and 3 sixes).
Indian fans disappointed by his departure but Ravindra Jadeja who entered the field like a warrior impressed the entire crowd with full boundaries. Dhoni was caught by Nasir Hossain in Taskin Ahmed bowling in 49th over. India made just 6 runs in last over, but crossed the 300 mark.
In 50 overs, India made 302 runs with a loss of 6 wickets. Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina really mesmerized the cricket fans with great timing and good strokes.
Bangladesh started an aggressive batting so as to chase the target fixed by India. Opener Tamim Iqbal made 25 runs in 25 balls but he scored 20 runs from the boundaries he beaten in the beginning, he was caught by Dhoni in Umesh Yadav bowling. Imrul Kayes (5) departed as run out by Ravindra Jadeja’s throw in the next ball.
Middle order batsmen Soumya Sarkar (29), Mahmudullah (21), and Musfiqur Rahim (27) tried to save the match, but India confirmed its victory in 36th over when Bangladesh was at 139/6. Umesh Yadav 4 wickets, Mohammed Shami 2 wickets, Ravindra Jadeja 2 wickets, Mohit Sharma’s one wicket and Aswin’s bowling economy limited Bangladesh to pack-up at 193 runs.
Rohit Sharma was given Man of the Match award for his extraordinary batting, which ensured India’s berth in semi finals. Cricket fans have enjoyed a great play today where India suffered to settle in the beginning, India’s firing in the second half of the batting time, Bangladesh’ aggressive opening, and Indian bowlers mesmerizing performance in other end.
-Kannamsai
