Ashwin's Crucial Knock Powers India Past Bangladesh
India secured a thrilling two-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their second Super 12 match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, thanks to a crucial knock from veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. The match, played at the Adelaide Oval, saw Bangladesh put up a competitive total of 150/7, before India chased it down in the final over.
Bangladesh Post a Competitive Total
Bangladesh, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, got off to a good start with openers Liton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto putting on a 50-run partnership. While Shanto fell for a well-made 38, Das went on to score a fluent 60 off 41 balls, setting up a good platform for the Bangladeshi innings.
However, India's bowlers, led by the experienced duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Axar Patel, kept the run rate in check and applied constant pressure. Axar, in particular, was impressive, taking two wickets in the middle overs and finishing with figures of 2/25.
Bangladesh's middle order failed to capitalize on the good start, with only Afif Hossain (27) and Nurul Hasan (25) managing to score significant runs. This allowed India to keep them in check, ultimately limiting them to 150/7.
Ashwin's Heroics Lead India to Victory
India's chase got off to a shaky start as they lost Rohit Sharma early. Virat Kohli (14) and KL Rahul (3) also failed to make a substantial contribution, leaving the pressure on the rest of the batting order.
However, Suryakumar Yadav (30) played a crucial innings in the middle order, keeping the run rate ticking over. But it was Ashwin's arrival at the crease that truly turned the tide.
Known for his bowling skills, Ashwin displayed remarkable composure and resilience with the bat, showcasing his ability to play under pressure. He formed a crucial 62-run partnership with Hardik Pandya (28) and hit the winning runs with just one ball to spare.
Ashwin's 54 off 23 balls, which included five boundaries and two sixes, was a masterclass in finishing.* He showed incredible temperament and skill, guiding India to victory in a thrilling finish.
Key Takeaways
- Ravichandran Ashwin's crucial knock highlighted his versatility and ability to perform under pressure. He proved that he is not only a valuable asset with the ball but also a capable batsman who can finish matches.
- The match also showcased the importance of partnerships in T20 cricket. The crucial partnership between Ashwin and Pandya, along with earlier contributions from Das and Shanto, proved decisive in the outcome of the game.
- India's bowling unit, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Axar Patel, once again showcased their quality, applying pressure on the Bangladesh batting lineup.
This win for India keeps them firmly in the race for the semi-finals. Their next match against South Africa will be crucial to their tournament ambitions.
