Continuing their dominant run, India outshined Bangladesh in Match 17 of the 2023 ODI World Cup, registering their fourth win in a row. The host nation chased down 257 with seven wickets and 51 balls at hand. Virat Kohli’s 48th ODI hundred was the highlight of the day.
With the ball, everyone chipped in, including Kohli. Jasprit Bumrah picked 2/41 and Ravindra Jadeja had figures of 2/38.
“Bowlers were smart enough to understand what sort of lines and lengths were needed. He [Jadeja] was brilliant with the ball and took a brilliant catch,” said the India skipper, Rohit Sharma.
However, the Men in Blue also suffer an injury scare. Hardik Pandya limped off the field in his first over and didn’t return to the field. He was taken for the scans later on.
“He [Pandya] pulled up a bit sore. There is no major damage, that is good for us. But obviously with an injury like that, we have to assess every day and we will do whatever is required,” Rohit spoke on Pandya’s injury.
Opting to bat first, Bangladesh were 93/0 in 14.3 overs at one stage. However, Bangladesh slumped to 137/4 in the 28th over. The Indian bowlers ceased Bangladesh’s momentum in the first half of the middle-overs.
“We did not start well but we pulled it back well in the middle stages and at the back end as well,” Rohit spoke on India’s comeback.
“The last three games we have played, our fielding has been superb. We continued that today. It is something that is in your control. You try and put in as much effort as you can,” he added appreciating the fielding effort.
The India skipper also spoke on the growing support from the crowd. “All of us in the squad have gone through such pressure, crowds coming in big numbers. It is special for us. The crowd has not disappointed us and I am pretty sure it is going to get bigger and louder moving forward,” he said.
Bangladesh’s stand-in skipper, Najmul Shanto felt his side could have batted better.
“We did not finish well with the bat. If Tanzid and Litton batted longer, could have been a different ballgame. Hopefully in the next game, our batters can take responsibility,” Shanto said. The openers, Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das were the only Bangladeshi batters to score 50-plus in this game.
Bangladesh missed Shakib Al Hasan who skipped this game due to a leg injury he suffered in the previous game against New Zealand.
“He is recovering well. I am hoping he can be fit for the next match,” Shanto answered the question on Shakib’s injury update.
Bangladesh play South Africa next on Tuesday (October 24). India will face New Zealand in a top-of-the-table clash on Sunday (October 22).