A spectacular tenth-wicket partnership between Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mustafizur Rahman helped Bangladesh beat India by one wicket in the first match of the three-match ODI series, here at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
Having a low total of only 186 runs to defend, Rohit Sharma’s team needed to set the tone from the very beginning, and Deepak Chahar helped them achieve that by dismissing Najmul Hossain Shanto in the first delivery.
Anamul Haque Bijoy departed after scoring 14 runs, but just when it seemed the complexion of the game is changing, Litton Das and Shakib Al Hasan’s partnership helped the hosts establish their place in the driver’s seat.
Following a 48-run stand for the third wicket, skipper Das lost his wicket to Washington Sundar in the 20th over, while Shakib departed four overs later.
After their departures, experienced campaigners Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah helped the Tigers stay alive in the contest.
While Rahim scored 18 runs, Mahmudullah chipped in with 14. However, they were dismissed in successive deliveries, which was followed by a procession of wickets as Bangladesh found them struggling at 136/9.
With the target still 51 runs away, Miraz played the knock of his life, scoring an unbeaten 38 runs from 39 deliveries. Number 11 batter Mustafizur Rahman should also be praised for his valiant effort, as he remained unbeaten on 10 runs.
For India, Mohammed Siraj once again was among the most impressive bowlers, as he scalped three crucial wickets. Barring him, debutant Kuldeep Sen and all-rounder Washington Sundar also deserve praise for scalped two wickets apiece.
Bangladesh Looked Lively With The Ball
Earlier, a commendable show with the ball helped Bangladesh restrict India to a meagre total of 186 runs.
Indian batters struggled to find momentum in what seemed to be a two-paced wicket here in Dhaka, as the Bangladeshi bowlers had a rewarding day at the office. Following a cautious start, Shikhar Dhawan departed in the sixth over whilst attempting an audacious reverse sweep off Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s bowling.
Skipper Rohit Sharma then built a 25-run second-wicket stand with former captain Virat Kohli, before both were dismissed in the same over by veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. However, from a precarious position at 49/3 with the three most experienced batters sent back to the pavilion, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul helped India get back into the match.
Iyer scored a 39-ball 24, while after he was dismissed in the 20th over, Rahul continued his resilience operation with Washington Sunder as his new partner. The wicket-keeper batter did not receive any support, with none of India’s last six batters crossing the 20-run mark, but his knock of 70-ball 73 was enough to take the men in blue close to a 200-run total.
As for Bangladesh, Shakib was the most influential bowler as he registered figures of 10-2-36-5. Having dismissed Kohli and Sharma early on, he returned to the attack to scalp wickets of Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar.
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