Bangladesh v India, ICC 2nd semi-final Match Report

India beat Bangladesh in last night’s semi-final with minimum fuss, chasing the score of 264 set by Bangladesh in just 40 overs, at the loss of 1 wicket. It was a clinical performance by Team India and the top three batsmen in the line-up comprising of Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Having followed the Indian cricket team for years, one has to say that this is the most professional Indian outfit of all time. They are just one step away from defending their ICC Champions Trophy as they take on Pakistan in the final this Sunday.

But really, it could have been a lot harder for India had luck not turned in their favour, in the form of the part-time bowler Kedar Jadhav. Jadhav turned in a match winning performance taking two crucial wickets and giving away only 22 runs in his 6 overs, at a time when Bangladesh were comfortably placed at 154 for 2 with Tamin Iqbal and Musfiqur Rahim playing very well.

[table id=1 responsive=”tablet” /]

At that stage, Bangladesh looked like they would be getting a score of 320 or 330, but Jadhav’s innocuous bowling turned the game in India’s favour.

Following that, India were in complete command with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jaspreet Bumrah not giving Bangladesh even a single easy opportunity in the slog overs. Kohli was particularly impressed with his strike bowlers.

Kohli said in the post-match press conference: “Especially the last two games they’ve been terrific initially and in the later stages, as well, their wicket-taking ability, which is something the opposition always knows, so they’re always careful going hard against these two guys, and yeah, their length after the Sri Lanka game, the length and line has been impeccable, so consistent, bowling close to the batsmen, always there with an opportunity to get a wicket, as I mentioned. Even in conditions which are not offering too much, [they’re] bowling such lines that we can produce wicket-taking opportunities.

Once India began their reply, they were professional and simply outstanding in their chase. Shikhar Dhawan continued his great form in ICC tournaments, once again giving India a great start. Rohit did what he always does – convert a start into a hundred and Virat smashed his way to another big score in a major match.

Speaking about their batting performance, Virat said, “But today, again, the way Rohit and Shikhar batted, it just gave me so much confidence heading into the changing room. These guys just went out and especially Shikhar, the way he took off was outstanding. Those two guys really dent the opposition mentally and you can come in and play your shots, and once you get going, the wicket was obviously really nice to bat on, as well. I don’t want to take all the credit. It was a beautiful wicket to bat on, and the outfield was quick, so I think it was great conditions to bat today, and as batsmen you do want to capitalise.”

Well done India, but there are some obvious problems that need to be sorted out for the final. Hardik Pandya’s bowling hasn’t really been up to the mark. India must bring in Umesh Yadav or Mohammad Shami in his place. That is the only change that we are likely to see going ahead into the final.

[table id=16 responsive=”tablet” /]

India Bet
India Bethttps://www.indiabet.org
India Bet specialise in providing information about the best Sports Betting and Online Casino bonuses which apply specifically to Indian based players. Read the reviews and also pick up some great value free bet offers. If you would like to know any further information, you can contact us at [email protected]

Related Articles

Cricket Betting Tips

Looking for a profitable, reliable and experienced cricket tipster? You can't go wrong with Pankaj and his service, Cricket Betting Tipster. Click the image above to learn more!

Latest Cricket News

Featured Bookmakers

₹8,000 welcome bonus

₹80,000 welcome bonus