In a dead rubber encounter at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo, Bangladesh secured victory against Rohit Sharma-led India by a margin of just 6 runs. Indian Captain Rohit Sharma had won the toss and opted to bowl first. This match marks India’s first loss to Bangladesh in the Asia Cup (ODI+T20I) after 11 years.
Bangladesh exhibited their excellence by winning three of their last four ODIs against India, breaking their enduring dominance. Furthermore, it marked the first instance in 13 matches that a team batting first emerged victorious in an India vs. Bangladesh Asia Cup (ODIs) match. This captivating encounter concluded the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2023, setting the stage for an electrifying final showdown scheduled for the 17th of September.
Top Performers of the Match
The Man of the Match undoubtedly belonged to Bangladesh’s skipper, Shakib Al Hasan, who exhibited an exceptional all-round performance. Shakib scored his 55th ODI fifty, amassing 80 runs from 85 deliveries, featuring 6 fours and 3 sixes. He didn’t just shine with the bat but also made a crucial contribution with the ball, dismissing Surya Kumar Yadav for 26 and bowling economically, conceding 43 runs in his 10-over spell, which also included 2 maiden overs.
Shakib-al-Hasan’s 101-run partnership with Towhid Hridoy, who scored a vital 54 runs off 81 balls, was pivotal. The lower middle order of Bangladesh, including Nasum Ahmed (44 off 45), Mahedi Hasan (unbeaten 29 off 23), and debutant Tanzim Hasan Sakib (unbeaten 14 off 8), also played their part in the team’s victory.
On the Indian side, opener Shubman Gill displayed remarkable composure under pressure. After India lost Rohit Sharma and Tilak Varma early, Gill held the innings together with a splendid 5th ODI century. He scored 121 runs off 131 balls, with 8 fours and 1 six, but couldn’t take India over the line.
Axar Patel’s valiant 42-run knock off 34 balls nearly secured the win, but his dismissal, courtesy of a slower off-cutter by Mustafizur Rahim, proved to be the turning point.
The Bangladesh bowlers deserve immense credit for their role in defending the target. Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who was playing his first international match, made an early impact by taking the wickets of Indian Skipper Rohit Sharma (0) and debutant Tilak Varma (5) in his opening spell itself. Mustafizur Rahman, a left-arm medium pacer, scalped three crucial wickets, including Ravindra Jadeja (7), Axar Patel (42), and Shardul Thakur (11). Off-spinner Mahedi Hasan contributed with two key wickets, dismissing KL Rahul (19) and the centurion, Shubman Gill (121).
All Eyes On The Final Between India And Sri Lanka
With the super four stage concluded, the focus now shifts to the much-anticipated final clash between Rohit Sharma led-India and Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka. This will mark the eighth encounter between these two teams in the Asia Cup final (ODI).
The last time they met in the Asia Cup final was in 2010, with Sri Lanka emerging victorious by a margin of 100 runs. The outcome of this final will determine the 7th-time Asia Cup (ODI) winners if India triumph or the 6th-time winners if Sri Lanka prevails. Cricket enthusiasts can catch this thrilling match on the 17th of September at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, starting at 3:00 PM IST.
Credit to the Bangladesh Bowlers – Rohit Sharma
In a post-match presentation, Indian Captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged the importance of providing game time to players, keeping the bigger picture in mind. he praised Axar Patel’s brilliant batting display and Shubman Gill’s exceptional century, highlighting Gill’s consistency over the past year. Sharma expressed respect for the Bangladesh bowlers, acknowledging their role in securing Bangladesh’s hard-fought victory.
“We wanted to give some game time to the guys, keeping the bigger picture in mind. Not compromising on how we wanted to play this game. Get in some players who are likely to play the World Cup. Axar batted brilliantly but couldn’t finish. He showed a lot of character. But credit to the Bangladesh bowlers,” said Rohit Sharma.
“Gill’s hundred was brilliant. He backs his game, he knows exactly how he wants to play. Pretty clear on what he wants to do for the team. Look at his form over the last year. Pretty solid against the new ball. Works really hard, there’s no optional practice for Gill,” he added.