NEWS
Follow UsOnly twice in the history of the Asia Cup has Bangladesh beaten India - once in 2012 and now in 2023. India won the toss and immediately opted to put Bangladesh to bat first on a used surface here in Colombo. At 49/5, Bangladesh were at immense risk of being bundled out for a total of less than 150.
But that’s when a partnership between Towhid Hridoy and Shakib Al Hasan began to blossom, and the two put on a masterclass of a batting display to put the Indian bowlers under a truckload of pressure. While Hridoy scored a valuable 54, Bangladesh’s captain Shakib was monumental to Bangladesh, scoring 265 after 50 overs, with the all-rounder scoring an 80.
Read: In Towhid Hridoy, Bangladesh have a man for long haul
“I wasn't batting well during this Asia Cup, but today I had time to settle. When I hit my first boundary, it felt good. When the ball got older, spin was difficult to play,” Shakib had to say about his own batting in the post-match presentation.
Like India, it was a good opportunity for Bangladesh to test out their bench, and one of the emerging players from the clash was Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who first contributed with the bat, scoring an eight-ball 14 before picking up two wickets, conceding just the 32 runs.
“We gave [chances] to the guys who haven't played much. We thought spinners will play a part, and luckily they did. When Mahedi came on, it wasn't easy to bowl. He bowled five overs in a row in the end. I should give credit to Sakib (Tanzim) also,” he added.
But with the win over India, Shakib promised that the Tigers have a good squad and depth ahead of the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup in India and assured of a solid performance.
Find the 2023 ODI World Cup schedule here
“I think we have got a very good team [for the World Cup]. Lot of injuries, and players coming in and going out didn't help during this Asia Cup,” he said.
Tanzim, who scalped Rohit Sharma as his maiden wicket on his debut, insisted that he just concentrated on the line and length.
"First wicket of Rohit bhai was a dream wicket. I just concentrate on line and length. I mentally prepare myself for a long spell. That ball (the last ball to Shami), I believed I could bowl the perfect ball. Very good feeling,” Tazim said after a close six-run win for Bangladesh.
