On a challenging pitch, where only a few of his teammates could score runs, opener Shubman Gill played a vital role in India’s chase, scoring a swashbuckling 121 off 133 balls, his fifth ODI century. However, his efforts were in vain as Bangladesh narrowly defeated India by six runs in a thrilling Asia Cup Super Four encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
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Captain Shakib Al Hasan and Towhid Hridoy contributed half-centuries for Bangladesh before the lower-order batsmen stepped up to guide their team to a total of 265/8. Tanzim Hasan Sakib, making his debut, impressed with figures of 2/32, and the four-man spin attack capitalized on the pitch’s turn and bounce to apply pressure on India.
Despite Gill’s impressive performance that included eight fours and five sixes, and a quick 42 off 34 balls from Axar Patel towards the end, India fell short as they were bowled out for 259 in 49.5 overs. Mustafizur Rahman took three wickets, sealing Bangladesh’s exit from the competition on a high note.
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In pursuit of 266 runs, India faced early setbacks, losing two key wickets to Tanzim within the first three overs. Captain Rohit Sharma, attempting an early drive, found himself caught at cover-point, while debutant Tilak Varma’s innings ended as he misjudged an away-going delivery, which ended up hitting the stumps.
Gill displayed excellent technique, using his ability to handle bounce to execute precise cuts, drives, and punches. KL Rahul also played well, especially with his cut shots. However, Rahul’s innings was cut short when he was caught at mid-wicket off Mahedi Hasan.
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In the 20th over, Gill exhibited his aggressive side by dancing down the pitch to launch Mahedi for two sixes over mid-wicket, marking his stylish half-century. Unfortunately, he kept losing partners from the other end, including Ishan Kishan, who fell lbw to Mehidy Hasan Miraz after missing a reverse sweep.
Suryakumar Yadav opted for the sweep shot during his 34-ball stay, resulting in a couple of boundaries, but it made him predictable and led to his dismissal as he attempted to sweep Shakib Al Hasan.
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Gill scored briskly, reaching his century in 117 balls with a couple through deep mid-wicket. He followed it up with consecutive fours off Tanzim, followed by a six off Mahedi. However, on the next delivery, Gill lofted but was caught at long-off.
Axar Patel, surviving a leg before appeal, kept India’s hopes alive by hitting a four and a six against Nasum in the 48th over. He continued his aggressive approach by lofting Mahedi for a four and a six in the following over.
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However, Rahman turned the tide in Bangladesh’s favor in the next over, as Thakur clipped a full-toss to square leg, and Axar was caught at long-off immediately after hitting a crucial four, securing the win for Bangladesh.