Arshdeep Singh held his nerve the final over as India edged Bangladesh by five runs in a crunch rain-hit Twenty20 World Cup last-ball thriller in Adelaide. India, who tops the points table can clinch a semifinal spot with a win against Zimbabwe in its final Group 2 match on Sunday.
In this episode of #WednesdaysWithWV, WV Raman analyses India’s performances in the T20 World Cup so far and weighs in on the decision of BCCI to take a step towards pay parity.
India puts a foot in Semifinals: Virat Kohli made an unbeaten 64 to maintain his red-hot form and KL Rahul (50) ended his run drought as they fired India to a commanding 184-6 at the Adelaide Oval. Chasing a revised target of 151 in 16 overs following a rain interruption, Bangladesh looked on course with Litton Das (60) going great guns but his exit unhinged his side who eventually finished on 145-6.
Rohit identifies Arshdeep as India’s death overs specialist: “I was calm and nervous at the same time. It was important for us as a group to stay calm and execute our plans. With 10 wickets in hand it could’ve gone either way but after the break we did well. When Arshdeep came into the scene, we asked him to do that for us. With Bumrah not there, someone has to do it for us, and take the responsibility, for such a young guy to come and do it is not easy. But we prepared him for it. The last nine months he has been doing it. There was a choice between Shami and him but we backed someone who did the job for us previously. In my opinion he was always there. “
India on top of points table: India moves to the top of Group 2 with six points, one ahead of South Africa who has played one game fewer. The Rohit Sharma-led side now faces Zimbabwe in its last league game on Sunday.
Captain Rohit praises Kohli, Rahul: It was a matter of few innings here and there, he (Kohli) got it in the Asia Cup. We never had any doubts and the way he has been batting in this World Cup has been tremendous and he is really doing it for us. Also liked the way how KL played today. We know what sort of a player he is, if he bats the way he can, he puts the team in a different position. Our fielding was brilliant, some of the catches we took was great to watch. It’s a high-pressure game, to take those catches shows the ability of our guys and honestly I never had any doubts about our fielding.
King Kohli equals Sachin Tendulkar’s record
Virat Kohli talks about his romance with Adelaide: “Pretty close game. Not as close as we would have liked it to be. A good day with the bat. When I went in there was a bit of pressure. I didn’t want little mistakes to curb my instincts. I am in a happy place. I don’t want to compare it with the past. As soon as I knew the World Cup is in Australia, I was grinning from ear to ear. Good cricketing shots will be the key. Here is what I know hitting through the line is what I do in every format. It is just an extension for me. I love playing at this ground. This makes me feel at home. When I come to Adelaide, I am meant to enjoy myself and keep batting.”
The Finish: Bangladesh needed 20 off six balls and Taskin Ahmed took a single to hand the strike to Nurul Hassan who dispatched Arshdeep into the deep square leg boundary to ignite hope among Bangladesh fans. The equation then read 13 off 4 balls and Arshdeep was bang on target, bowling the yorker as Nurul took a couple off the fourth ball to bring the equation to 11 off 2 balls. Bangladesh needed two sixes to win, a six and a four for a Super Over and Nurul found the deep point boundary to still keep Bangladesh alive. A six off the final ball was required to push the match into the Super Over but Arshdeep bowled a full delivery and gave just a single to spark celebrations in the Indian camp. India moves to the top of table.
IND vs BAN | Hardik joins the party, Bangladesh implodes: Bangladesh has lost four wickets for nine runs in a space of 11 deliveries and that pretty much sums up how clinically India went about its business after the target was revised to 151 due to rain. Hardik Pandya has joined the party with two wickets and the short-ball ploy has worked wonders for the India all-rounder. Although the bowlers executed their plans, credit to the fielders for complementing them and taking catches under pressure at crucial junctures of the game. It is again worth mentioning that the direct hit from KL Rahul to pack off Litton Das saw a dramatic shift in momentum and it’s redemption time for the India vice-captain who finally woke up from his slumber. Top all-round effort from the men in blue and they are marching to recapture the top position in the points table.
IND vs BAN | Arshdeep double puts India on top: Arshdeep Singh strikes and India are making rapid strikes and have pulled back Bangladesh, who at one stage were cruising and were looking threatening. Arshdeep strikes twice first by removing Afif Hossain and then the dangerous Shakib Al Hasan to put India firmly on top. The hard lengths doing the trick here as the Bangladesh batsmen are swinging their bats with the run rate creeping up and most importantly India is clinical in the field with Suryakumar and Deepak Hooda keeping their cool and settling under the skiers nicely and not handing any lives to the Bangladesh batsmen. Although Arshdeep and Shami have picked wickets, the turnaround must be the direct hit from KL Rahul. The wicket of Litton Das helped India take control of the curtailed match.
IND vs BAN | Shami strikes, Shanto falls: Mohammed Shami strikes and he has pushed Bangladesh further on the backfoot by removing Shanto and credit to Suryakumar Yadav for taking a calculated move and running towards the ball to take an excellent catch. Shanto was just looking dangerous as he tried to whack a length delivery but only hits it flat, without any elevaation as Suryakumar runs in to take a fine catch. Atif Hossain joins Shakib.
IND vs BAN | Rahul hits the bulls’ eye: Great start from India after the rain break and KL Rahul is having a lovely outing at the Adelaide Oval. Litton Das who smoked the Indians and got Bangladesh ahead falls short of his crease, courtesy of a direct hit from Rahul. That’s a fantastic piece of fielding from the India vice-captain as Shanto called for a double, Das stumbled while taking the second run and Rahul with a direct hit from the deep packs off the danger man. The Indians are pumped up.
IND vs BAN | Ashwin starts after rain break: Right then off sprint the players and a pensive-looking Rohit Sharma strolls out with Ashwin ready to roll over his arms. Bangladesh chase a revised target of 151 runs.
IND vs BAN Revised Target: Bangladesh needs 85 runs from 9 overs and the game is all set to resume. India needs wickets and Bangladesh will fancy with all wickets in hand and this is going to be a very interesting chase.
IND vs BAN | Rain Update: Well it has stopped raining and the umpires are out inspecting the square. But, we might just start losing overs as the cut-off time was 9:28 PM local time. Bangladesh is clearly in the advantage as they are 17 runs ahead as per as DLS par score is concerned and India’s semifinal hopes are in danger. Litton Das has proved to be the difference but the game isn’t over yet. It will be difficult to grip the ball, especially for Ashwin but all that India pins its hopes on is a quick resumption.
IND vs BAN | Rain Update: The covers are coming off although there is still rain in the air. The radar shows it’s the last spell of rain and the match is all set to resume shortly.
What is Duckworth-Lewis method in cricket- how is it calculated during rain affected matches?
IND vs BAN | Rain Update: At the moment, it isn’t bucketing at the Adelaide Oval and Bangladesh won’t mind the delay as Litton Das has come out all guns blazing and has put Bangladesh ahead of the DLS par score. We have another 15 minutes before the overs start to get reduced and India will look to get on the field quickly.
IND vs BAN | DLS Explained: Bangladesh 66/0 after 7 overs - DLS par score after 7 overs: 49 runs. Bangladesh are 17 runs ahead of the par score at the moment. The covers are on and the rain isn’t heavy but it’s in the air. Shakib and Rohit having a chat with the umpire and the mood is light in both camps. We still have time when it comes to losing overs, which means the target will be shortened. But, for the moment, it looks like a passing shower.
IND vs BAN | Rain halts play: The odd shower is here at the Adelaide Oval as predicted and the covers are on. If DLS comes into play, Bangladesh is well ahead - thanks to Litton Das’ powerful cracker with the bat that has pushed India on the backfoot. We assume it won’t be much of a delay and it’s a brief halt in play.
IND vs BAN | Litton Das slams half-century: Litton Das hammered a brilliant 21-ball 50 and has articulated this run chase in fine fashion. It’s a worried Indian attack as the likes of Arshdeep, Bhuvneshwar and Shami have gone for runs with Das attacking the bowlers in ruthless fashion. There is no movement off the surface and it’s looking difficult to keep Das out of action as the white ball has travelled almost all around the Adelaide Oval. There is authority, control and a dash of audacity as Das has already hit seven hits to the fence and three sixes to give Bangladesh a flying start. The partnership is 66 off 42 balls and the current run rate is actually a bit higher than the asking one. Bangladesh needs 119 runs in 78 balls.
IND vs BAN | Litton Das attacks in PowerPlay: Litton Das has come out with an attacking mindset and has given Bangladesh a bright start in chase of 185. He has smacked five boundaries and a maximum as India aims for an early breakthrough. Arshdeep almost had Das but the ball just bounced in front of a diving Dinesh Karthik and the wicket-keeper wasn’t sure if he had taken the catch cleanly. The soft signal was Not Out and the decision stayed with the replays showing the ball indeed bounced before thudding into Karthik’s gloves. Bhuvneshwar then induced an outside edge but the ball just brushed the fingertips of Karthik who dived to his right and even the first slip had no chance. Bangladesh starting strong and India needs wickets.
IND vs BAN | Kohli surpasses Jayawardene: Kohli breaks Mahela Jayawardene’s record to become the top run-getter in T20 World Cup. The modern-day master hammered his third half-century in the tournament and against Bangladesh Kohli scored 64 off just 44 balls with eight boundaries and a maximum. Kohli, playing his fifth T20 World Cup, went past Jayawardene’s 1016 runs and has 12 half-centuries to his credit across all editions of the T20 World Cup. He is also the highest run-getter in all T20 internationals ahead of compatriot Rohit Sharma (3811), New Zealand’s Martin Guptill (3531) and Pakistan skipper Babar Azam (3239)A top innings in a must-win game and this is a daunting total in front of Bangladesh.
IND vs BAN | Kohli hits half-century: Virat Kohli and his love affair with the Australian soil continues as the former India skipper hits a brilliant half-century off 38 balls and India certainly going strong in the death. However, Bangladesh strikes back by catching Karthik short of his crease and also packing off Hardik Pandya. But with Kohli in the middle, they need to be careful as Axar Patel joins Kohli and India will look to go big in the remaining three overs.
Suryakumar becomes No.1 T20I Batsman
IND vs BAN | Shakib ends Surya blitz: This was high-quality batting from Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli and the duo tore apart the Bangladesh bowling attack. The last five overs, India scored 63 runs, losing KL Rahul, who fell after smashing a brilliant half-century and Surya took the charge striking at 200.00. However, he departs after trying to late cut Shakib Al Hasan but misses the ball as the ball clatters the stumps and Bangladesh has the breakthrough. Suryakumar falls for 30 off 16 balls and a wonderful cameo comes to an end. Hardik Pandya comes out to the middle and this partnership will be key for India’s late surge. By the way, Surya has become the No.1 T20I batter
IND vs BAN | Rahul roars into form with fine fifty: KL Rahul has put on a batting exhibition and although he departed just after hitting a half-century, this will supremely boost his confidence. Dravid defended all the questions regarding Rahul’s form in the pre-match press conference and his student answered the critics in some style. Ask Shoriful Islam, as the bowler was sent on a leather hunt with Rahul smoking 26 runs from his over. The sign that Rahul is back in form was when he smashed Ismal’s good deliveries over the ropes to collect three sixes and then a slash through the point. The control and the timing were just brilliant and Rahul showed why he is backed by the management despite a poor start to the World Cup. Shakib Al Hasan broke the partnership as he packed off Rahul, who tried to play a lap shot but wasn’t in control as the ball lobbed to Mustafizur at short fine leg. A brilliant innings comes to an end and the dressing room is up on their feet, appluading a knock that means the world to Rahul. Top stuff. SKY in the middle with King Kohli.
IND vs BAN | Kohli, Rahul motor on: Virat Kohli made his intentions clear as he went after Taskin Ahmed, smashing the fast bowler for two consecutive boundaries, although both shots involved high risks but Kohli by playing those shots disturbed the rhythm of the bowler. He then got back to his original style of play, bringing his wrists into play and guiding Mustadfizur with soft hands for another boundary. Rahul at the other end looks comfortable and has walked out with intent and is batting well with a six over covers, being the shot of the day, so far. India 37/1 in PowerPlay.
ND vs BAN | Rohit falls early: Rohit Sharma has failed to ride his luck as Hasan Mahmud who dropped the Indian captain didn’t allow the opener to cause much damage. Rohit made room for himself, trying to ride on the bounce and slash it away but found Yasir Ali at gully and what a relief for Mahmud. Rahul, meanwhile, is looking in good touch as the India vice-captain played a super square cut off Mahum and the ball flew over the deep cover into the stands. That was a top shot. India up and running with Kohli in the middle.
IND vs BAN | Rahul breaks free: KL Rahul fans might have just smiled as the India opener dispatches Shoriful Islam for a maximum as he picks the back of length delivery and flicks it over the deep square leg boundary for a maximum. He picked the length so quickly and the timing was impeccable. Good positive intent from Rahul and this should boost his confidence. Rohit Sharma, meanwhile has got a golden life as he was dropped at deep backward square by Hasan Mahmud and Taskin Ahmed is livid.
IND vs BAN | Rohit, Rahul open innings: The Indian openers are out there in the middle and it’s imperative for them to make a good start inside the PowerPlay. Overcast conditions, with two slips in place and it will be Taskin Ahmed with the new ball.
IND vs BAN Axar comes in for Hooda: Axar Patel is back in the team and Deepak Hooda after just one game is out of the playing XI. India strengthening the spin department.
India Playing XI: KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma(c), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik(w), Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh
Bangladesh Playing XI: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, Shakib Al Hasan(c), Afif Hossain, Yasir Ali, Mosaddek Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Nurul Hasan(w), Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed
Rohit Sharma at Toss: We would have batted first. Runs on the board would matter. We would look to bat well. All games are important in this format. We didn’t play well in the last game. Hopefully, we can play some good cricket and get those two points. Good ground and good atmosphere here. Good weather as well. We have one change. Axar is in for Hooda.
IND vs BAN H2H record: The Men in Blue clearly hold the edge over the Tigers, having won 10 out of the 11 T20Is played between them. In T20 World Cups, India has trumped Bangladesh three out of three times.
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