Pune - India secured their fourth consecutive victory in the 2023 World Cup, comfortably defeating Bangladesh by seven wickets in Pune on Thursday. Virat Kohli played a stellar role, achieving an unbeaten century.
Bangladesh, batting first, displayed determination but fell short of a competitive total, managing only 256-8. However, this score was never going to trouble India's batsmen on the flat MCA Stadium surface.
Opening batsman Shubman Gill contributed with a pleasing 53, while captain Rohit Sharma missed his half-century by just two runs. Virat Kohli then masterminded the run chase with an impeccable 103 from 97 balls, guiding India to the target in 41.3 overs.
Kohli had an auspicious start to his innings as Hasan Mahmud bowled two no-balls to him. Kohli capitalized on these opportunities, hitting a boundary and a six to kickstart his innings. He went on to strike six fours and four sixes en route to his 48th ODI century, which propelled India to the top of the table with eight points.
However, Kohli's century was achieved under exceptional circumstances. India needed 19 runs for victory, and Kohli required the same number of runs for his century. From that point, Kohli expertly maneuvered the strike, hitting boundaries and taking a single off the last ball of the over to retain it. He continued this strategy for three overs, with KL Rahul remaining not out at the other end. Kohli eventually reached his century with a six over mid-wicket off Nasum Ahmed.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh displayed great intent at the beginning of their innings, but they lost momentum in the middle overs. Opener Tanzid Hasan notched his maiden one-day international half-century, taking on India's new-ball attack. The left-hander, aged 22, scored an impressive 51 off 43 balls, including five fours and three sixes. He shared a 93-run opening partnership with Liton Das after withstanding Jasprit Bumrah's initial spell.
Tanzid hit Shardul Thakur for 16 runs in three balls, featuring two sixes, one over square leg and the other lofted over extra-cover, separated by a four driven through mid-on. However, left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav provided India with a breakthrough by dismissing Tanzid lbw.
Subsequently, Bangladesh faced a minor collapse, slipping to 137-4, with Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammad Siraj contributing with wickets. Nevertheless, Bangladesh's experienced batsmen Mahmudullah (46) and Mushfiqur Rahim (38) ensured they reached the 250-run mark.
Fast bowler Bumrah once again stood out for India, conceding 41 runs in his 10 overs and claiming two wickets, including that of Mahmudullah with a trademark yorker. Jadeja was equally effective, taking 2-38. It was a tense day for India as they witnessed their star all-rounder Hardik Pandya leave the field due to an ankle injury sustained while trying to stop the ball during his own bowling spell. If Pandya is sidelined, it could significantly affect the team's balance, as he is a key frontline batsman and bowler, enabling Captain Sharma to select another specialist player.