India thrashes Bangladesh to get into the Finals

India eased their way into finals trashing Bangladesh. A run chase without any glitches saw India all the way home comfortably. After restricting the Bangladeshi’s for 264 – 7 in 50 overs, It was yet again an exhibition by Rohit Sharma and Shekhar Dhawan. Both put up an opening partnership of 87 runs in 14.4 over before Dhawan who has been in a tremendous form this champions trophy fell for well made 46. That was the only moment for Bangladesh. Kohli along with Rohit Sharma then went on to play till they successfully chased the total down in other 10 more overs to spare. Rohit Sharma scored his first century of this tournament and stood not out at 123 of 129 balls which included 15 fours and a six that he hit to reach the milestone. On the other hand, Kohli looked in fine touch. The man has been among runs this tournament but wasn’t impressive though out, found his rhythm back. He also competed another milestone in his career of 8000 ODI runs.

Bangladesh having lost their 1st wicket in the very first over of the match, looked quite dominating with bat for 1st half of their innings. Well settled at 154 -2, it was the part timer Kedar Jadhav who struck for India. First Tamim Iqbal who made 70 of 82 balls and later took the wicket of Musfiqur Rahim who played an excellent knock of 61 of 85 balls. Tamim Iqbal was living on the edge of danger as he wasn’t quite timing the ball well right from start of the innings. Where as Mushfiqur Rahim thou had a bit shaky start when he came into crease, found momentum with time. Pick of the bowlers for India was Jadhav who took two crucial wickets turning the things around for India, followed by Bhuvneswar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah who took two wickets each. Jadeja yet again played a huge role in restricting the runs follow and picked up a wicket of Bangladeshi all rounder Shakib Al Hasan.

Indian batsmen definitely look hungry for yet another Champions Trophy title and for their 2nd in a row. The defending champions would face Pakistan in the finals. There have been a lot of turn arounds the season with Pakistan who were off to a sloppy start but surprisingly found themselves a birth in Finals. All eyes at the Oval on June 18 where the final is scheduled to take place. Its going to be yet another interesting campaign this weekend.

Azam Sait

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