India continued their winning run in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 as they registered their fourth win in four matches. This time they defeated Bangladesh in Pune on October 19, 2023.
Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first. Najmul Hossain Shanto led the Bangladesh side in place of the injured Shakib Al Hasan.
Tanzid Hasan (51) and Litton Das (66) put up 93 runs for the first wicket to get their team off to a fantastic start. Bangladesh then lost a few wickets, including both openers, as well as Najmul Shanto (8) and Mehidy Hasan (3). Mushfiqur Rahim scored 38 runs but was caught at backward point by Jadeja.
However, Nasum Ahmed (14) and Mahmudullah (46 with three fours and three sixes) led Bangladesh to a score of 256/8 in 50 overs. Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah each grabbed two wickets for India.
In reply, Rohit Sharma (48 in 40 balls) gave a flying start to India adding 88 runs in 12.4 overs with Shubman Gill. After he got out, Gill continued and scored his maiden World Cup fifty and made 53 runs with 5 fours and 2 sixes.
Virat Kohli then shouldered the chase for India as Shreyas Iyer fell cheaply for 19 runs. KL Rahul partnered with Kohli to the end, scoring 34* runs. However, Kohli hogged the limelight as he completed his 48th ODI century with a six and also took India to the win with 7 wickets in hand and 51 balls remaining.
CWC 2023: Ben Stokes declares himself fit and available for selection for South Africa clash
He remained 103* with 6 fours and 4 sixes to his name and was given the Player of the Match award.
After the match, India captain Rohit Sharma gave a major update about all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s injury. Pandya had twisted his left ankle in the 9th over of the Bangladesh innings, trying to stop the ball in his follow-through.
He was taken for scans and didn’t return to the field, but was seen having a deep discussion with Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid once the Indian innings was on.
“He (Hardik) pulled up a bit sore, nothing really major. We'll see how he pulls up tomorrow morning and then plan on how to go forward,” Rohit Sharma said in the post-match presentation.
Rohit talked about the match and the Indian team’s performance. He lauded Ravindra Jadeja and Virat Kohli for their contributions.
He said: “It was a good win, something we were looking forward to. We didn't start well, but the guys pulled it back in the middle-overs and at the back end. Our fielding has been superb in all these matches, it's something that's in your control, and you can put in your best effort. The bowlers were smart enough to understand what lengths to bowl. Jaddu was brilliant with the ball and the catch, but you can't beat a hundred. We're doing well as a group, a medal for all performances on the playing field and that's something that motivates everyone to do well.
Everyone in the squad has gone through pressure, the crowd is coming in big numbers, the stands are full, they haven't disappointed us, they've been brilliant and I'm sure they'll be louder and louder as we move on.”
India is second on the points table with 8 points in 4 matches behind New Zealand on net run rate. This will change, however, on Sunday, October 22 when these two sides clash in Dharamshala.
