In what turned out to be a one-sided affair, India put on another clinical show to register a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Pune. It was their fourth successive win in the World Cup. Virat Kohli finished things off in style, by cracking a six to bring up his 48th ODI ton. He is one short of Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most ODI hundreds.
At 231 for 3, it seemed as though Kohli wouldn’t to reach the milestone. But he took all the strike and showcased his range of shots to score 30 off the next 31 runs. In the 39th over, he smashed Hasan Mahmud over long-on for a six and in the next over, thumped Nasum Ahmed for a boundary and a six.
There was a bit of drama in the 41st over when Hasan bowled a wide. That meant Kohli had to crunch a four or six to reach three figures. In the last over of the game, there was more action as Nasum bowled one down the leg, but umpire Richard Kettleborough, curiously, didn’t call wide. Kohli duly provided the finishing touches by tonking a full toss over mid-wicket. The crowd erupted in joy, as their hero held his hands aloft and received a warm embrace from his batting partner.
India romped home to victory on the back of another all-round show from the bowlers. At the start of Bangladesh’s innings, it didn’t seem as if India would dominate proceedings. Tanzid Hasan (51) and Litton Das (66) stitched an opening stand of 93 in just under 15 overs. It was Kuldeep Yadav who beat Tanzid with the flipper to make the initial incision. Najmul Shanto, the acting captain, followed him back to the hut after being adjudged leg-before off Ravindra Jadeja.
Mohammed Siraj then bagged his first wicket thanks to KL Rahul pouching an excellent catch down the leg-side. Unfortunately for Bangladesh, they slid further as Litton was dismissed by Jadeja. Although the veteran duo of Mahmudullah (46) and Mushfiqur Rahim (38) strung together useful runs, a total of 256 on a track with even bounce was about 70 short of a very good score.
Japsirt Bumrah once again altered his lengths depending on the situation of the game and finished with noteworthy figures of 2 for 41. The highlight of his spell was a reverse-swinging yorker to clean up Mahmudullah. It was 10/10 in terms of execution. All the other bowlers chipped in with a wicket or two.
In the chase, Rohit Sharma gave India another rollicking start with a 40-ball 48, while Shubman Gill compiled a 55-ball 53. KL Rahul also made a timely 34. Finally, it was left to Kohli to wear his ‘King Kohli’ suit and take India home.
The worry for the Indian side would be Hardik Pandya, who suffered an ankle injury while bowling his first over. On the other hand, Bangladesh didn’t just slip to another defeat. They would also be sweating over the fitness of their captain, Shakib Al Hasan.