The first game of the Super 4 featured India taking on Bangladesh in Dubai. The Men in Blue on the back of the comeback man – Ravindra Jadeja, carried their brilliant form and extended the winning run. Bangladesh, after losing badly to Afghanistan yesterday, looked down and out and was never in the game.

The coin dropped in Rohit Sharma’s favor and the Indian skipper opted to bowl first. Just like the last game against Pakistan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was superb with the new ball. Once again, the pacer provided an early breakthrough by removing Liton Das for 7 in the 5th over. 4 balls later, his new ball partner Jasprit Bumrah sent back Nazmul Hossain for 7.

Bangladesh was rocked back early for 16/2. The 2 most experienced batsmen of the side came together and looked to rebuild the innings. Shakib Al Hasan was aggressive from the outset while Mushfiqur Rahim took his time. Ravindra Jadeja, who was in the side for the injured Hardik Pandya, had an awful start. He bowled a no-ball and got struck for 2 boundaries in the first 3 balls by Shakib.

Ravindra Jadeja on a rampage

MS Dhoni then suggested a field change to Rohit Sharma. Off the next ball, Shakib launched a catch straight to the newly-placed fielder at square-leg. The masterclass from Dhoni gave Jadeja a wicket in his first over. A few overs later, he removed Mohammad Mithun for 9. He made it even better by accounting for Rahim’s wicket soon. Bangladesh was in deep trouble at 65/5 after 18 overs.

Mahmudullah and Mosaddek then dropped the anchor for so many overs. The duo batted for close to 15 overs and added only 36 runs. The constant pressure from the bowlers gave Bhuvneshwar his 2nd wicket when Mahmudullah was trapped in front for 25. In the next over, Jadeja extended his merry comeback by bagging the 4th wicket in the form of Mosaddek.

When the chips were down, the skipper Mashrafe Mortaza and Mehidy Hasan provided the much-needed reform. They added 66 runs for the 8th wicket. Mortaza began to accelerate by smashing a couple of sixes to Bhuvneshwar. But the bowler got his revenge by getting him out for 26. Mehidy scored 42 off 50 balls and Bumrah cleaned up the remaining 2 wickets to restrict Bangladesh to 173.

Rohit on a roll again

India’s chase began with the openers putting up a good show again. Shikhar Dhawan went on the offensive initially while Rohit Sharma took the back seat. With very less scoreboard-pressure, they had the luxury of batting in their own method. The first powerplay yielded 51 runs from which Dhawan contributed 35 runs.

Shakib and Mehidy tightened the screws for the next 4 overs. Dhawan was restricted and as a result, lost his wicket to Shakib for 40 in the 15th over. Post Dhawan’s dismissal, Rohit raised the gear and slammed some classy boundaries and brought up his 2nd consecutive fifty. Ambati Rayudu was the spectator at the other end who fell to Rubel Hossain for 13.

After 24 overs, India reached 106/2. The capacity crowd in Dubai erupted with joy when they saw Dhoni waking out to bat at No.4. Rohit continued the assault and the Bangladeshi bowlers had no clue. Dhoni didn’t waste too much time in hitting his stripes. He looked positive from the outset and utilized the opportunity to get some match-time in the middle.

After 30 overs, the Men in Blue were comfortably placed at 142/2. Rohit and Dhoni didn’t lose their cool and safely took India close to the target. When just 4 runs were required, Dhoni got out in the hunt for the finishing strike. He made 33 off 37 balls. Rohit completed the formality and stayed unbeaten at 83 runs. India chased down the target in 36.2 overs and won the match by 7 wickets.

Match Summary

India won the toss and opted to bowl first

Bangladesh: 173/10 in 49.1 overs

Mehidy Hasan 42 (50), Mashrafe Mortaza 26 (32)

Ravindra Jadeja 29/4 (10), Bhuvneshwar Kumar 32/3 (10),

India: 174/3 in 36.2 overs

Rohit Sharma 83* (104), Shikhar Dhawan 40 (47)

Rubel Hossain 21/1 (5), Shakib Al Hasan 44/1 (9.2)

India won by 7 wickets

Player of the Match: Ravindra Jadeja

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