DHAKA, Oct 19, 2023 (BSS) - Bangladesh slipped to third straight defeat in the ICC Cricket World Cup when India crushed them by seven wickets, thanks to a sublime century of Virat Kohli at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune today.

Riding on half-centuries from openers Liton Das and Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Bangladesh piled up a respectable 256-8 but Kohli’s 97 ball-103 not out, made the chase a cake-walk as India raced to the victory with 51 balls to spare. 

Kohli whipped left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed for a six over deep mid-wicket to seal the deal,  helping India reach 261-3 as well as completed his 48th ton, as he stayed just one century short to level his legendary compatriot Sachin Tendulkar, who with 49th ton remained highest century maker in ODI history. 

Bangladesh’s total was fighting one but against a full strength Indian batting line up, it was not enough. Liton hit team-best 66, his second half-century in the tournament while his fellow opener Tanzid Tamim brought up his maiden fifty in International cricket, hammering a fluent 43 ball-51, laced with five fours and three sixes.

Liton and Tanzid paved the platform of a good total, adding 93 runs, which was their highest score in the opening stand in World Cup history. But despite a good start, Bangladesh failed to cash in on it as India bowlers came back strongly to stifle the Tigers in the middle over. 

Mahmudullah Riyad hit 34 ball-46 with three fours and as many sixes toward the end to help Bangladesh finish on high. Mushfiqur Rahim was the other notable scorer with 38.

Bangladesh came into the match without their regular captain Shakib Al Hasan, who failed to recover from his injury in left quad, sustained during the match against New Zealand.

But the Tigers who began the World Cup with six-wicket win over Afghanistan before suffering a crushing defeat to England and New Zealand in the last two matches, were extremely charged up against India as it was predicted.

Youngster Tanzid who failed to reach 20 in any of his International ODI, came up with fire right from the start. He gave Bangladesh a smashing start, plundering Indian pacers, specially Shardul Thakur around the park.

India’s agony was extended when Hardik Pandya, their sixth bowling option limped off the ground because of an ankle injury.

With Liton also in his supreme touch, India looked hapless against the Tigers.

The introduction of the spinners brought success for India as Kuldeep Yadav drew the blood first, trapping Tanzid leg-before.

Ravindra Jadeja removed stand in captain Shanto for a single digit figure before pacer Siraj go the reward of his persistency, claiming the big wicket of Mehidy Hasan Miraz for just 13.

Jadeja thereafter removed Liton as he hit seven boundaries in his 82-ball-knock. Liton’s dismissal left Bangladesh 137-4 from 93 for no loss.

Mushfiqur Rahim and Towhid Hridoy brought the side back into contention with 42-run partnership before Indian pacers regrouped well to strike again.

Thakur broke the partnership, dismissing Hridoy for 16 while Jasprit Bumrah got the better of Mushfiqur Rahim.

But Riyad finished the things off quite nicely, giving bowlers something to bowl at.
Bumrah, Siraj and Jadeja took two wickets apiece for India.

Bangladesh needed early wickets to put pressure on India, which they failed to do, largely thanks to Rohit Sharma and Shuvman Gill. The inform opening duo gave the side a flying start, sharing 88-run for the opening stand with captain Rohit making most of the damage.

Rohit struck a 40 ball-48 with seven fours and two sixes before Hasan Mahmud, the replacement of Taskin Ahmed had him caught by Hridoy at square leg. 

Gill reached his 11th half-century and in the process became the fastest batter to reach 2000 ODI runs. He achieved the milestone in his 38th match, three short of previous record holder South Africa’s Hashim Amla. 

When Mehidy Hasan Miraz got rid of him, he smashed 53 with five fours and two sixes. Miraz also claimed the wicket Shreyash Iyer for 19, to reduce the margin of the victory.

Kohli and KL Rahul who was not out on run-a-ball-34 shared 83 runs in undefeated fourth wicket stand to help the side chase down the target with quite ease. 

Bangladesh will take on South African in their next match on October 24 in Mumbai.