More hits than misses, but the misses need to be analysed soon
India had a resounding win over Bangladesh last night at Dubai. Of course, the Bangladeshis had a slight disadvantage that they had to travel two hours from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, which they will complain about if they are eliminated from the tournament.
Having said that, except for the game against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh have been poor in this tournament, and look as if they will be eliminated after their encounter with Pakistan.
India on the other hand, look good, but injury worries have put them on the backfoot.
All-rounder Jadeja made a roaring return to limited overs cricket, helping India dismiss Bangladesh for 173 after Rohit opted to chase at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India then cruised to victory in 36.2 overs courtesy Rohit, who struck an unbeaten 83 off 104 balls, his second consecutive fifty plus score of the tournament. He was all class in his delightful innings that comprised five fours and three huge sixes on the leg-side.
Rohit and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (33 off 37) shared a 64-run stand before the former India captain gave his wicket away towards the end. India play their next Super Four game against Pakistan on Sunday.
India were hardly trouble in the chase after Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan (40 off 47) provided a solid start with a 61-run stand. Dhawan, in like the game against Pakistan, looked in good touch but was not able to play a long innings. Rohit changed gears after Dhawan's departure. He brought his 36th ODI fifty with a towering hit off Shakib Al Hasan over deep mid-wicket.
The captain's form augurs well for India going forward into the competition. Dhoni too got much needed time in the middle, having not batted against Pakistan on Wednesday. The former captain had failed to open his account against Hong Kong in the team's tournament opener. Dhoni wanted to finish off the game with a boundary but could only find the fielder at sweeper cover.
Earlier, Jadeja, playing his first ODI since July 2017, broke the backbone of Bangladesh batting with his accurate left-arm spin and ended with impressive figures of four for 29 in 10 overs. Bangladesh batsmen faltered again, having come a cropper in the run chase against Afghanistan on Thursday night. The seasoned pace duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/32) and Jasprit Bumrah (3/37) too made life tough for the opposition.
Here are some of the hits and misses.
1. From Sir with love
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Ravindra Jadeja had a great comeback ODI since he was dropped from the squad a year earlier. Four wickets for 29 runs is just, as Ravi Shastri would say, what the doctor ordered. His ability to bowl overs quickly is another advantage he brings to the ODI squad in an era where over rate is sacrosanct. - PTI
2. Rohit's form
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Although he began poorly in the game against Hong Kong, India captail Rohit Sharma has led from the front with back-to-back half centuries against Pakistan and Bangladesh. Hopefully he carries this form into the next match where he once again meets Mohammed Amir, who normally treats Rohit like his bunny - PTI
3. New ball attack
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While India's bowling in England was exellent, we missed the combination of Bhuveneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah. Thanks to Bhuvi's injury, he missed the entire series and was sorely missed. His return to the squad shows what an asset he has been for the Indian bowling attack, and his opening partnership with Bumrah ensured the Bangladesh top order were in trouble - AFP
4. Trouble with the tail
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India had Bangladesh tottering at 101-7. They should have ideally polished off the tail and had a smaller target to reach. This is something the Indian bowling has been struggling with off late. A few months ago, the bowling was relentless, and ensured wickets tumbled in quick succession once the tail was exposed - PTI
5. Dhoni's road to 2019
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Fans of MS Dhoni have expressed hope that he will play till the 2019 World Cup. Critics, however, feel that he should retire to make way for younger blood. This Asia Cup has been a weird one for him. He got out for a duck in the game against Hong Kong; his keeping was not the usual brilliant stuff we're used to seeing, especially in the game against Pakistan. In last night's game, he mistimed the helicopter shot only to be caught - PTI
