Bangladesh defeated India by five runs to win the second One-Day International (ODI) in Dhaka on Wednesday (December 7). After winning the first match by one wicket on Sunday, the hosts won the three-match ODI series with the victory.
Mehidy Hasan (100*) and Mahmudullah (77) put together a formidable partnership after Bangladesh lost the toss and elected to bat. When the two right-handers showed up, the hosts were reeling at 69/6 when they scored 271 runs against Bangladesh.
As Rohit Sharma suffered an injury to his thumb while fielding, Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan, who were chasing 271, opened the innings for the Indian team. Both of the Indian openers perished within the first three overs, failing to provide India with the necessary steady start.
Before KL Rahul was outdone in the 19th over, middle-order batsman Washington Sundar also missed his chance. After that, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel led a brief comeback for the visitors, scoring 56 and 82 points, respectively.
However, Bangladesh nearly eliminated India from the match by hitting four quick goals between 34 and 45, but Rohit Sharma returned to give Indian fans hope. He took the game to Bangladesh, where he nearly won it before losing it in the final over.
Let’s take a look at the game’s successes and failures to conclude our look at the high-octane contest.
#4 Flop – Virat Kohli (India)
Virat Kohli continued his mediocre ODI performance this year, finishing with just five runs off six balls.
Team India had high expectations for Kohli, who had previously led his country to numerous run-chases, to open the Indian innings in Rohit Sharma’s absence.
Kohli only managed to get his under edge on the ball, chopping it onto the stumps, despite pulling a good-length delivery off Ebadot Hossain in an unconvincing manner.
Given that the Delhi native has only scored 73 runs in his last seven ODI innings, Kohli’s numbers in this format are not very encouraging.
#3 Hit: Rohit Sharma (India)
The brave batting of Indian captain Rohit Sharma in the final stages of the match gave the match life.
The Hitman came up with a belligerent knock and nearly took his side home despite injuring his thumb and enduring the pain of stitches.
Batting at number 9, he scored a quick 51* off 28 balls. Rohit dominated the Bangladeshi bowlers and scored five boundaries and three boundaries.
The outcome could have easily been in favor of the visitors if Rohit had to deal with a few more deliveries during his stay.
#2 Flop – KL Rahul (India)
While batting at No. 2, KL Rahul hasn’t really done anything wrong. 5 in ODIs for India, but he had a tough game on Wednesday in Dhaka. Even though he did a decent job as a stand-in captain in the first innings, the Karnataka youth lost his wicket during the run chase when India needed him the most.
Shreyas Iyer and Rahul were given the task of rebuilding the innings after India reached 39/3 within the first ten overs. However, eight overs later, Rahul struck Mehidy Hasan with a terrible shot that proved to be his undoing.
The Indian wicketkeeper was trying to paddle a straight delivery to the fine leg when he completely missed his shot. Before the umpire could make his decision, the ball hit his pads.
Given the limited turn supply off the deck, Rahul attempted a shot that posed a significant risk.
#1 Hit: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Bangladesh)
Mehidy Hasan Miraz continued his dominance of the Indian bowling attack on Wednesday, picking up right where he left off in the previous match.
The all-rounder won the game for India by coming onto the field at 69/6 when his team was in dire straits. Mehidy Hasan and Mahmudullah put together a remarkable partnership of 148 runs and took the Indian bowlers to the cleaners.
The 25-year-old smashed his first ODI century in 83 balls, hitting eight fours and four sixes, and led Bangladesh past 270.
Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul were Mehidy Hasan’s two priceless wickets to end his night. Hasan was selected as the Player of the Match in anticipation of his heroic performance across the board.