In the 6th match of the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four stage, the Bangladesh National Cricket Team, led by Shakib Al Hasan, secured a thrilling 6-run victory over the India National Cricket Team, captained by Rohit Sharma, on Friday, September 15 at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium.
India won the toss and elected to bowl first, and both teams made numerous changes to their playing XI for this inconsequential encounter. Bangladesh’s top-order struggled, with the team reduced to 59/4. However, Shakib Al Hasan and Towhid Hridoy displayed exceptional batting skills to stabilize the innings. This partnership added 101 runs from 115 balls.
The breakthrough for India came through Shardul Thakur, who ended the partnership between Shakib and Hridoy and brought India back into the game. Nevertheless, valuable contributions from Nasum Ahmed and Mahedi Hasan allowed Bangladesh to post a competitive total of 265/8.
In their chase, Shubman Gill played a lone hand with a remarkable century (121), and Axar Patel’s brilliant 42 runs from the lower order gave Indian fans hope. However, it wasn’t sufficient, and India was dismissed for 259.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma Acknowledges Shubman Gill and Axar Patel’s Performances after Loss to Bangladesh in Asia Cup 2023During the post-match presentation ceremony, Shakib Al Hasan, who received the Player of the Match award, mentioned that they provided an opportunity to players who hadn’t seen much game time. He also praised Mahedi Hasan and Tanzim Hasan Sakib for their excellent bowling performances.
Shakib Al Hasan expressed confidence in Bangladesh’s abilities and stated that they will be a formidable team in the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, to be held in India. “Yes, we gave the guys a chance who haven’t played much. After the last couple of games here, we thought spinners will do well. Today, I went early and had time to spend on the crease. It was a challenging wicket. It was seaming a bit and it got easier when the ball got older.” he remarked.
“Mahedi Hasan came to bowl and got us the breakthrough. He also bowled five overs at the end, which is not easy for a spinner. Also, Tanzim bowled well at the start and took two wickets. We have got a very good team. A lot of players injured and some going in and out, that didn’t help us. I think we will be a dangerous side in the World Cup,” Shakib Al Hasan concluded.
