KL Rahul was a pleased captain after India’s consolation 227-run victory over Bangladesh in the third and final ODI in Chattogram on Saturday (December 10).
Asked to bat first, the Men in Blue rode on centuries from Ishan Kishan (210 off 131 balls) and Virat Kohli (113 off 91 balls) to rack up a mammoth 409/8 in 50 overs.
In reply, Bangladesh’s innings folded for a paltry 182 in 34 overs as all the Indian bowlers who bowled managed to claim at least one wicket.
After the game, stand-in skipper Rahul hailed Kishan and Kohli for leading the foundation of India’s emphatic win.
“This was expected from our team. Virat and Kishan set it up for us. The scores don't suggest that the way he started off. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He batted brilliantly. Virat also used his experience and guided him,” Rahul, who stood as captain in the third ODI after Rohit Sharma’s thumb injury, said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
“You know that the batters will come hard and you will get wickets. There was not much help. We took some brave chances. Very happy with our performance. We are learning as a team. Still try to get better,” he added.
Despite the defeat, the hosts clinched the three-ODI series 2-1 on the basis of tense victories in the first two games.
“Unfortunate, the results didn't go our way in the first two games. We would want to take the confidence into the Test series,” Rahul concluded.
For his maiden ODI ton, which turned out to be a daddy hundred, Ishan Kishan earned the Player-of-the-Match award.
“I think it was a perfect wicket to bat on. Perfect situation for me as well. Was looking to watch the ball properly and go with the flow. I think when you have so many senior players in the team. We have been doing conversations. Here at the international stage, you try to get a lot when you get a few,” Kishan stated.
“I got a lot of help from the support staff. I was just picking the ball and the bowlers. Things went my way. After looking at the wicket, I knew it was going to play well. Was trying to smash the loose balls. There is so much conversation going on in the team for the fitness,” he further said.
The two teams will now square off in a two-match Test series, starting December 14 in Chattogram.
(With Cricbuzz inputs)
