Ashwin Guides India to Victory in Thrilling Bangladesh Series Finale
India clinched a thrilling 2-1 series victory against Bangladesh in the third and final One Day International (ODI) at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. The match was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with both teams showcasing their fighting spirit until the very last over. The hero of the day was undoubtedly Ravichandran Ashwin, who orchestrated a sensational comeback to guide India to victory.
A Close Encounter:
Bangladesh, chasing a target of 272, were off to a flying start thanks to a blistering century by Liton Das. Liton’s knock of 136 runs off 127 balls, peppered with 13 fours and 2 sixes, laid the foundation for a strong chase. However, India’s bowling attack, led by a disciplined Kuldeep Yadav, managed to keep the run rate under control and create regular wickets.
Ashwin’s Masterclass:
The turning point of the match came when Ashwin was introduced into the attack in the 36th over. The veteran off-spinner immediately made his presence felt by dismissing the dangerous Mehidy Hasan Miraz. He then proceeded to pick up two more crucial wickets in quick succession, leaving Bangladesh on the brink of defeat.
Ashwin’s figures of 3-48 in his 10 overs were instrumental in containing Bangladesh’s momentum and ultimately securing victory for India. His ability to spin the ball both ways and exploit the conditions perfectly made him a nightmare for the Bangladeshi batsmen.
India's Contributions:
The Indian bowlers had done a commendable job in restricting Bangladesh to 271 runs. Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-51 in his 10 overs. He bowled with great accuracy and kept a lid on the scoring rate. Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur also chipped in with valuable wickets.
However, it was Ashwin's brilliance that stole the show. He deservedly won the Player of the Match award for his match-winning performance.
Looking Forward:
India's victory in Chattogram was a testament to their resilience and adaptability. They managed to overcome a spirited performance by Bangladesh and emerge victorious in a high-pressure situation. The series win will be a huge confidence booster for the Indian team ahead of the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023.
The two teams will now lock horns in a two-match Test series starting on December 14th. It will be interesting to see how Ashwin performs with the red ball and if he can continue his stellar form.
