Sports Desk
PUNE: Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century, paired up with Shubman Gill’s half-century propelled India to a dominating seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the ICC World Cup 2023.
Chasing a modest 257, India comfortably raised 261 for the loss of three wickets and 51 balls to spare, thanks to Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century, his 48th in the 50-over format and 78th overall.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma once again scripted a flying start for his side in the run chase as he, along-side Shubman Gill, scored 88 runs for the first wicket stand.
Rohit, who majorly dominated the opening stand, fell just shy of his half-century as he perished after scoring a 40-ball 48 which featured seven boundaries and two sixes.
Virat Kohli then joined Shubman Gill at the crease and together another crucial partnership for India, adding 44 runs to the total before the latter perished soon after amassing his half-century. He remained a notable contributor to India’s fourth victory in the ICC World Cup 2023 with a brilliant 53. His 55-ball knock included five boundaries and two boundaries.
Kohli was then involved in another brief partnership as Shreyas Iyer played a cautious 19-run knock, conceding 25 balls and hitting only two boundaries.
KL Rahul then joined Kohli and gave him subtle support with his unbeaten run-a-ball 34 and the star batter smashed Nasum Ahmed for a six to register India’s fourth consecutive victory in the ongoing mega event.
He remained unbeaten with a 97-ball 103 which included six boundaries and four sixes.
A thumping victory over Bangladesh, however, could not power India to pip New Zealand and secure the top berth in the ICC World Cup 2023 standings due to an inferior net run rate.
Opting to bat first, Bangladesh could post 256/8 in the allotted 50 overs despite a solid start from their openers Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das.
The duo dominated the Indian bowlers and put together a 93-run partnership before Tanzid Hasan fell victim to Kuldeep Yadav soon after amassing his half-century.
He scored 51 in just 43 deliveries with the help of five boundaries and three sixes.
Meanwhile, Das stood his ground firm and stitched brief partnerships with Najmul Hossain Shanto (8) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (3) before finally perishing in the 28th over with 137 runs on the board.
He remained the top-scorer for Bangladesh with an 82-ball 66 which featured seven boundaries.
Following his dismissal, experienced wicketkeeper batter Mushfiqur Rahim joined Towhid Hridoy at the crease and put on an anchoring 42-run partnership which lasted with the former’s departure in the 38th over.
Rahim was then involved in a brief 22-run partnership with Mahmudullah until Jasprit Bumrah’s slower delivery sent him packing on 38. His 46-ball knock featured one boundary and a six.
Mahmudullah then took the reigns of Bangladesh’s batting charge as he added valuable runs to the team’s total at the backend before being castled by Bumrah in the final over.
He remained a notable run-getter for Bangladesh with a brisk 36-ball 46, laced up with three bounda-ries and as many sixes.
Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj led the bowling attack for India with two wickets each while Kuldeep Yadav and Shardul Thakur had a wicket apiece.
