India to victory against Bangladesh in Nidhas Traphy. India bounced back in style after decimating Bangladesh in match 2 of the ongoing T20I tri-series of the Nidahas Trophy 2018 being held at the R Premadasa stadium in Colombo. After a five-wicket loss in the match against Sri Lanka, Rohit Sharma’s side stepped out and bowled extremely well before winning the match by six wickets.
India chased down Bangladesh’s paltry total of 139 runs in 18.4 overs after another Shikhar Dhawan fifty. The in-form opener, who smashed a whirlwind 90 in the previous game, was at his best once again after he piled up the runs with a sense of responsibility and preciseness. Suresh Raina (28) and Manish Pandey (27*) played good hands to support the run-chase.
Bangladesh’s poor run against India in the shortest format continued as they lost their sixth match in a row in the history of T20I cricket.
#HeroNidahasTrophy 2nd T20I #INDvBAN – India won by 6 wickets. IND 140/4 (18.4 ov, Dhawan 55) v BAN 139/8 pic.twitter.com/cPhaj8sMsS
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) March 8, 2018
Dhawan masterclass a treat
India to victory against Bangladesh was super excited because the southpaw is making the most of his form and scoring runs aplenty. After being the highest scorer in the T20I series against South Africa, Dhawan has continued in a similar tempo. He is the leading run-scorer in the ongoing series too.
After losing Rohit (17) and Rishabh Pant (7) in quick succession, India were reduced to 40/2. The side needed a mature chase from there on despite the target being on the lower side. That’s where Dhawan came into the scene. He shared a 68-run stand with fellow left-hander Suresh Raina as the duo looked to settle in well and go about their business.
Dhawan, who smashed five fours and two sixes, brought his fifty in the 14th over. He took his time in the middle and with Raina looked very comfortable. The latter, who came at No. 4 on Thursday, was finally dismissed trying to play a short ball and offering a simple catch at square-leg.
Dhawan eventually fell in the 17th over, but by then, he had put India in the driver’s seat. Manish Pandey (27*) and Dinesh Karthik (2*) steered the Men in Blue home.
Indian bowlers step up
After a poor show with the ball against Sri Lanka in match 1, the Indian bowlers stepped up and got the job done. The likes of Jaydev Unadkar and Vijay Shankar picked five wickets between them to restrict Bangladesh to 139/8 in 20 overs.
Bangladesh’s inability to string a meaningful partnership cost them. They kept losing wickets at regular intervals as the Indian bowlers did not allow them to settle down. Only Liton Das (34) and Sabbir Rahman (30), showed some composure. They were restricted to many dot balls which did the trick for India.
Yuzvendra Chahal bowled miserly for 1/19 in four overs as Shardul Thakur moved on from the belting he received against Sri Lanka to end with 1/25.
Player of the Day
Vijay Shankar: The all-rounder was emphatic as he removed Bangladesh’s senior duo of Mushfiqur Rahim (18) and Mahmudullah (1). In his debut series, Shankar has shown the nerves so far to handle the pressure at the big stage. He was adjudged the man of the match and said his hardworking has paid off.
“Been looking forward to this. Have been working hard, so very happy. Bowling has given me sonething extra in my game,” said Shankar.
The overall we can say that it was the bowlers & Dhawan who guide India to victory against Bangladesh in Nidhas Trophy
Brief Scores: Bangladesh 139/8 in 20 overs (Liton Das 34, J Unadkat 3/38) lost to India 140/4 in 18.3 overs (S Dhawan 55, Rubel 2/24) by six wickets