The crowd gathered with the expectation of an Indian victory, especially eager to witness an Indian player score a century. The situation looked different when India needed only 25 runs to win, but Virat Kohli took it upon himself to reach a hundred.
He started playing aggressively, turned down singles unless it was necessary, and pushed hard to convert ones into twos. He reached his century with a match-winning shot, leaving KL Rahul as a mere spectator.
The target of 257 runs was initially challenging, but Rohit Sharma, in a new and improved form, played a crucial role with a quick 48 off 40 balls. While three Indian batsmen got out attempting big shots, India wasn’t seriously tested. Shubman Gill also scored a half-century, Kohli secured his 48th ODI century, and KL Rahul contributed with an unbeaten 34.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, didn’t pose a significant challenge to India’s strong batting lineup and suffered their third consecutive loss. India, on the other hand, continued their unbeaten streak with four successful chases in four matches.
Virat Kohli was declared player of the match for his tremendous batting.
After the match, Indian captain Rohit Sharma said it was a good win—something we were looking forward to. We didn’t start well, but the guys pulled it back in the middle-overs and at the back-end. Our fielding has been superb in all these matches. It’s something that’s in your control; you can put in your best effort.
Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune.
Bangladesh’s explosive start was eclipsed by India’s clinical bowling as they set a target of 257. Bangladesh openers Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das were dominating the powerplay, pulling off some well-timed shots to find boundaries on a surface that was assisting batters.
They managed to put up a score of 90-0 in the first 14 overs with a healthy run rate. Kuldeep Yadav resumed the innings and on the fourth ball after the game, he dismissed Tanzid Hasan for 51.
Mohammed Siraj claimed Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s wicket, with KL Rahul taking a stunner behind the stumps, showcasing India’s prowess in the field.
Jadeja claimed his second by removing the set batter, Litton Das, for 66. Jaspri Bumrah dismissed Mushfiqur (38) with a moment of brilliance in the field as Jadeja took an unbelievable catch.
Mahmudullah took on Shardul to claim 15 runs in the 46th over and push Bangladesh towards a score of 260.
However, a pinpoint yorker in the final over from Bumrah ended his stay on the pitch as he walked back with a score of 46.
Shoriful Islam struck a six in the final ball to take Bangladesh’s score to 256.
