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BSP-17
CRICKET-BD-IND-FINAL
Butter-fingered Bangladesh allows India post 174-5
NAGPUR, Nov 10, 2019 (BSS) – Bangladesh paid the price of dropping several catches as India compiled a decent 174-5 in the series deciding third T20 match at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on Sunday.
Sreyas Iyer led the way with a sublime 33 ball-62 after he was given life before opening his account. Lokesh Rahul also contributed in team’s cause with well-composed 35 ball-52.
After winning the all-important toss, Bangladesh chose to bowl and got their most-cherished wicket when Shafiul Islam removed danger man Rohit Sharma in just second over, clattering his wicket for 2.
Rahul didn’t let the pressure to grapple them, playing with utmost confidence but Bangladesh took them on top when Shafiul struck again to take the wicket of Shikhar Dhawan for 19.
With India reeling to 35-2 in just sixth over, Bangladesh could make three down had Aminul Islam Biplob not dropped a sitter at backward point off the bowling of Shafiul.
Iyer remained restrained afterwards, while Rahul played the anchor role, taking Bangladesh’s bowling in disdain.
After hitting seven fours in his 35 ball-52 knock, he was finally undone by a superb slower of Al-Amin Hossain who bowled with heart throughout the match.
Iyer then took the onus to drive the side and made Bangladesh paying heavily to shell his catch. He was particularly harsh on Afif Hossain who he struck three straight sixes to suddenly pace the innings.
As India looked set for 200, Soumya Sarkar did the amazing thing and indeed saved the side from the ultimate blushes, taking out Rishab Pant and Iyer in the same over. In between, Bangladesh fielders dropped several catches to allow India batsmen settle in the crease nicely.
Iyer smacked three fours and five sixes in his knock. Manish Pandey accelerated the score towards the end by hitting an unbeaten 13 ball-22.
Shaiful and Soumya grabbed two wickets apiece but it was Al-Amin Hossain who came up with measly bowling effort, 4-0-22-1, to tie down the mighty Indian batting line-up.
BSS/SMP/MRU/2144hrs