India Dispatch of Weak Bangladesh

A match winning all round performance by Indian star Sachin Tendulkar ensured that India kept its Asia Cup momentum rollicking along as India comfortably defeated a lacklustre Bangladesh outfit.

Bangladesh were sent into bat by Indian Captain Sourav Ganguly and straight away were under immense pressure as Pathan wreaked havoc amongst the Bangladeshi top order.

First blood was drawn when a beautiful swinging full delivery clattered into the stumps of Habibul Bashar. Next delivery, Rajin Saleh was lbw to Pathan for 0 and Pathan was once again on a hat trick in this Asia Cup tournament.

Mohammad Ashraful started to show India why he is a talented young batsman with a bright future as the young rising star staged a fightback of some sorts with his partner Alok Kapali.

With the score at 56, Kapali didn't stay with his partner as Ashish Nehra picked up his first wicket of the Asia Cup tournament as Kapali was dismissed for 10.

Ashraful and Faisal Hossain continued to rebuild but Hossain didn't last too long as Harbhajan was introduced into the attack and claimed Hossain (17) with a lbw shout.
Soon after that Bangladesh's anchor man Mohammad Ashraful(35) was run out thanks to Yuvraj Singh.

After that it was the Sachin Tendulkar show, but this time with the ball in his hand. The little master worked his magic with the ball and captured the wickets of Khaled Mashud (12) Mohammad Rafique (0) and Manjural Islam Rana (21) as Bangladesh were struggling at 8/141.

Despite the poor score, Bangladesh did not lose its fighting spirit as Khaled Mahmud (22) and Abdur Razzaq (21) lead the way and posted a semi respectable score of 177 all out.

A score of 178 against the Bangladesh bowling lineup seemed all too easy for the Indians as they began with a bang as Sehwag cracked three boundaries to race to 16. But as always the aggressive Sehwag was tamed, this time by Tariq Aziz and India were 1/19.

Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly had once in their career formed the most dangerous and successful opening combinations in the history of One Day International cricket. Today, both showed their class and their experience as they put toghether a matchwinning 159 run partnership.

Ganguly and Tendulkar were both solid as they both completed their respective half centuries. Ganguly however was dismissed soon after on 60 by Mohammad Rafique, but the work was done. Tendulkar (82*) stayed at the crease until the end and ensured India won the match.

India winning comfortably in the end by 8 wickets and achieved the full six points.

Brief Score Summary:

Bangladesh: 177 All Out (Ashraful 35, Khaled Mahmud 22, Tendulkar 3/35, Pathan 3/32)

India: 2/178 (Tendulkar 82*, Ganguly 60, Tareq Aziz 1/49, Rafique 1/30)

India Won By 8 Wickets

Cricket Web Player of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar (IND)


Posted by Sangrah