New Delhi:
India bamboozled Bangladesh to continue their winning streak in ODIs as they won the opening fixture of the Super Four round of Asia Cup 2018 by 7 wickets at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. Ravindra Jadeja was the pick of the bowlers for the Men in Blue as he scalped four wickets to down Bangladesh’s batting line-up and help India wrap up the Tigers’ innings at a mere 173 runs. While chasing a comparatively easy target, openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan began the chase in style and built a solid opening partnership of 61 runs. The skipper remained not-out to power India to another comprehensive victory in the ongoing Asia Cup 2018.
ALSO READ: Petrol price nears Rs 90 mark in Mumbai, spirals to Rs 82.44 in Delhi
Here are the Top 3 Talking points from India vs Bangladesh:
1. Rohit Sharma – an immovable force
Skipper in-charge for the Asia Cup 2018 in the absence of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma overcame his problems against left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rehman to continue his impressive record against Bangladesh. Rohit smashed a brilliant unbeaten 83 to bag his third half-century against Bangladesh in ODIs. Rohit’s form against India’s neighbouring counterpart has been impressive since the 2015 Cricket World Cup face-off at Melbourne and his form ahead of the upcoming World Cup is something which only betters the chances of Indian team at ICC’s flagship event.
2. India’s Spin Attack
Ravindra Jadeja was called up to the playing XI as a replacement for the injured Hardik Pandya and his inclusion strengthened the spin attack of Indian team which already includes the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav and new sensation Kedar Jadhav. Jadeja justified his selection by picking up four wickets and bagging the Man of the Match award. Jadeja made a comeback to the ODI steam after 442 days and his performance can only give India’s team management a sweet selection headache ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2019.
ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi to meet eminent academicians at Siri Fort today
3. Shikhar Dhawan – Safe Hands
Shikhar Dhawan has already impressed the cricket fraternity with his willow during the ongoing Asia Cup 2018, however, during the match against Bangladesh, Dhawan made a new record of taking four catches. Dhawan broke the record of most catches in a single innings by an outfield player in Asia Cup history. Four wicket-keepers have taken four catches in an Asia Cup match and the list includes MS Dhoni.
Dhawan broke the record of Pragyan Ojha and Mohammad Kaif who had taken three catches in an Asia Cup tie.
India lock horns with Pakistan on September 23 (Sunday) in the Match 3 of Super Four stage at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.
