© AFP
Highlights
Bengaluru: Ravichandran Ashwin admitted he was totally spent after India’s “rollercoaster” one-run win over Bangladeshon Wednesday but warned the hosts had to up their game if they are to realise their dreams of becoming World T20 champions. (India Stay In The Hunt For Semi-Finals After Thrilling Bangladesh Win)
Bangladesh came tantalisingly close to chasing down India’s total of 146 for seven, but they lost three wickets in the last three balls of a thriller in Bangalore that ended with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni running out Mustafizur Rahman off the last ball of the match. (Hardik Pandya Helps India Beat Bangladesh by One Run)
A relieved Ashwin, who conceded just 20 runs and claimed two wickets to be man of the match, said he had never seen his teammates so worried. (Dhoni Reveals He Asked Hardik Pandya Not to go for Yorkers)
“It was a big rollercoaster game, but I think for a team to go all the way in such a game is very, very important,” the off-spinner said after accepting his match award.
“We have never really got together and worried so much. I don’t have anything left, I’m drained after today’s game. I’ll just crash now.”
India’s group stage victory bolsters their chances of reaching the semi-finals, but they must now defeat Australia on Sunday to secure a place in the final four.
“As far as today is concerned, where we stand, I don’t think we are contenders for this tournament,” said Ashwin.
“(But) if we pick up our batting and come together as a good unit I think we will be good contenders from now on.”
While the victory gives India’s campaign some vital momentum, Bangladesh have no chance of progressing further after having lost all three of their group games.
“I think (our) bowlers have done a great job. We were on top till the last three balls,” a disappointed Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza said.
Opener Tamim Iqbal top-scored for Bangladesh with 35 off 32 balls, before he was stumped by the Indian skipper just as he was looking dangerous.
The aggressive batsman put on 44 runs with Sabbir Rahman for the second wicket, but Rahman was also stumped for 26 as he looked to carry on the momentum.
Shakib Al Hasan made a quick-fire 22 off 15 before he was caught by Suresh Raina at slip off Ravichandran Ashwin.
Soumya Sarkar managed 21 as the required runs were gradually ticked off, but Indian spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Ashwin kept their cool under pressure and continued to take wickets.
With Bangladesh needing 10 runs off five balls in a gripping final over sent down by Hardik Pandya, Mushfiqur Rahim (11) smashed two consecutive fours, before holing out to Shikhar Dhawan on the mid-wicket boundary.
With two runs needed from two balls, Mahmudullah was inexplicably also caught in the deep for 18.
Incoming batsman Mustafizur Rahman had no choice but to race down the wicket, after Shuvagata Hom stabbed and missed the final ball, and was run out by Dhoni.
Wild Celebrations
Confirmation of the dismissal by the TV umpire sent the crowd and the Indian team into wild celebrations.
India, with one loss and one win heading into Wednesday’s match, couldn’t afford to lose if they were to keep their dream alive of becoming the first country to win the World T20 title twice.
But their total of 146 for seven seemed below par, thanks to some gritty bowling by Bangladesh, who were looking to beat India in this format for the first time.
Al-Amin Hossain took two wickets for Bangladesh off two balls, while newcomer Shuvagata Hom claimed the critical scalp of Virat Kohli for 24.
Indian openers Dhawan (23) and Rohit Sharma (18) put on a patient 42-run partnership before both lost their wickets in the space of six balls as they tried to accelerate.
Kohli and Raina put on 50 before Hom clean bowled Kohli just as he was looking dangerous.
Al-Amin then struck, with Raina caught by Sabbir Rahman for 30, and Sarkar taking a spectacular diving catch on the boundary to claim Pandya for 15.
Dhoni battled to an unbeaten 13 runs off 12 balls.
Source: NDTV