Photo: ESPNcricinfo
Riding on half-centuries from openers Liton Das and Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Bangladesh piled up a respectable 256-8 against India in their fourth game of the ICC Cricket World Cup at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune today (19 October).
Liton hit team-best 66, his second half-century in the tournament, while his fellow opener Tanzid Tamim brought up his maiden fifty in International cricket, hammering a fluent 43-ball 51, laced with five fours and three sixes.
Liton and Tanzid paved the platform of a good total, adding 93 runs, which was their highest score in the opening stand in World Cup history.
Mahmudullah Riyad hit 34-ball 46 with three fours and as many sixes toward the end to help Bangladesh finish on high. Mushfiqur Rahim was the other notable scorer with 38.
Bangladesh came into the match without their regular captain Shakib Al Hasan, who failed to recover from his injury in left quad, sustained during the match against New Zealand.
But the Tigers who began the World Cup with six-wicket win over Afghanistan before suffering a crushing defeat to England and New Zealand in the last two matches, were extremely charged up against India as it was predicted.
Youngster Tanzid who failed to reach 20 in any of his International ODI, came up with fire right from the start. He gave Bangladesh a smashing start, plundering Indian pacers, specially Shardul Thakur around the park.
India's agony was extended when Hardik Pandya, their sixth bowling option limped off the ground because of an ankle injury.
With Liton also getting his sublime touch, India looked hapless against the Tigers.
The introduction of the spinners brought success for India as Kuldeep Yadav drew the blood first, trapping Tanzid leg-before.
Ravindra Jadeja removed stand in captain Shanto for a single digit figure before pacer Siraj go the reward of his persistency, claiming the big wicket of Mehidy Hasan Miraz for just 13.
Jadeja thereafter removed Liton as he hit seven boundaries in his 82-ball-knock. Liton's dismissal left Bangladesh 137-4 from 93 for no loss.
Mushfiqur Rahim and Towhid Hridoy brought the side back into contention with 42-run partnership before Indian pacers regrouped well to strike again.
Thakur broke the partnership, dismissing Hridoy for 16 while Jasprit Bumrah got the better of Mushfiqur Rahim.
But Riyad finished the things off quite nicely, giving bowlers something to bowl at. Bumrah, Siraj and Jadeja took two wickets apiece for India.
Messenger/Sun Yath
