Watch: India cruised past Bangladesh by seven wickets on Thursday (October 19) to win their fourth World Cup 2023 game on the trot.
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India started their 256-run chase in their familiar breezy fashion. Skipper Rohit Sharma led the onslaught, partnering with fellow opener Shubman Gill. The duo posted 88 runs for the first wicket before Rohit’s dismissal for 48 (40) at the 12.4 over mark. Batting at three, Virat Kohli started with a bang, smashing 14 off one legal delivery ball, thanks to two no-balls (and free-hits) from Hasan Mahmud. He continued to churn out the runs after the initial surge. India was 132-2 when Gill departed for a well-made 53 (55).
During the 29th over, number four batter Shreyas Iyer was caught by Mahmudullah at deep mid-wicket while trying to up the ante. He returned to the pavilion for 19 (25). Vice-captain KL Rahul and Kohli ensured India inched closer to the target without further hiccups.
As India zeroed in on the target, Kohli was on the cusp of a century. He faced a tricky equation since the runs required for his hundred almost coincided with India’s victory. Both Kohli and Rahul refused singles to ensure the former stayed on strike. Finally, Kohli brought his ton in the third ball of the 41st over with a six, sealing the fourth straight victory for his side in this year’s World Cup. The century was his third in the quadrennial event, the first since 2015.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh began well with the bat, stitching 93 runs for the first wicket, their highest opening stand in the showpiece clashes. Ravindra Jadeja spearheaded India’s bowling resurgence with figures of 2-38. Mahmudullah played a vital cameo of 46 (36) to stretch the total to 256-8 despite suffering a mid-innings collapse.
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