CWC 2019 Flashback – India secure semi-final berth, Bangladesh bow out
On this day in the 2019 World Cup, India defeated neighbours Bangladesh in a thrilling encounter. Riding on Rohit Sharma’s majestic century, India became the second team to confirm a spot in the semi-final lineup. Indian bowlers responded excellently while defending 315 runs against Bangladesh at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The 28-run loss ended Bangladesh’s chances of entering the top four.
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Rohit and Rahul thwart Bangladesh plans
After Virat Kohi chose to bat first, Indian openers gave a better account of themselves after the dismal performance against England. Rohit and KL Rahul mixed aggression with caution and batted at a comfortable run rate. Rohit, after being dropped on 9, reached his century in just 90 balls, his fourth in the ongoing tournament. His knock of 104 studded with nine fours and five sixes carried India to 180/0 in the 30th over. Rohit and Rahul claimed the record of the highest opening partnership for India in the World Cup with their stand.
Also read: Rohit Sharma joins legends with record-breaking century
Bangladesh fight back as Indian middle-order stumbles
Removing the threat of a mammoth first innings total, Bangladesh sent back both the Indian openers quickly. Mustafizur stormed into action later by dismissing Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya in the same over. The double blow exposed the Indian middle order. Rishabh Pant played a few attractive shots in his brief 41-ball 48. MS Dhoni then battled through the death overs as Mustafizur completed a five-wicket haul by skittling wickets at the other end. Employing his slower ball effectively, ‘Fizz’ finished with 5/59. India managed to post 314 runs on the board.
Shakib keeps Bangladesh in the game
Tasked to chase 315 runs, the Bangla openers batted solidly in the opening overs. Both Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar looked confident in the initial spell as they settled down. However, first Mohammed Shami and later Hardik Pandya combined to dismiss the openers. Bangladesh’s best batsman in the tournament so far, Shakib Al Hasan, rose to the challenge and once again produced a sterling knock. He stitched crucial partnerships with Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das to pressurise the Indian captain.
Indian pacers seal the deal
Hardik Pandya provided the major blow by deceiving Shakib. The all-rounder walked back on 66 and Bangladesh’s chances seemed all but over. Sabbir Rehman and Mohammad Saifuddin changed the scene by smashing a few quick boundaries. Their 66-run partnership reignited the hopes. Bumrah sent back Sabbir to tilt the balance India’s way. Saifuddin along with the tail kept fighting till the end. Needing 29 runs from 14 balls, Bangladesh were alive in the end overs until Bumrah cleaned them up with two splendid yorkers. The pace bowler ended with 4/55.
