Bangladesh defeat India by six runs

Shakib says Bangladesh ‘dangerous’ for World Cup after India triumph

COLOMBO – Bangladesh has defeated India by six runs in the last match of the super fours of the Asia Cup 2023.

India were all out for 259 runs while chasing 266 runs.

Earlier, Bangladesh set a challenging target of 266 runs for India in the last Super Four match of the Asia Cup at Colombo on Friday.

The match is a tune-up for India, who are already guaranteed to face Sri Lanka during Sunday’s final in Colombo, ahead of the ODI World Cup at home next month.

Earlier, India won the toss and opted to bowl first against Bangladesh.

India have handed up-and-coming batsman Tilak Varma, 20, an ODI debut in the five changes from their previous Super Four win over Sri Lanka.

Twenty20 star Suryakumar Yadav also made the team alongside fast bowlers Mohammed Shami and Prasidh Krishna.

Medium-pace bowler Tanzim Hasan Sakib, 20, has been handed his ODI cap for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh have won just one group match in this tournament and skipper Shakib al Hasan said his team’s performance had been an “eye-opener” before the World Cup begins on October 5.

Skipper Shakib Al Hasan on Friday said Bangladesh will be a “dangerous side” in the World Cup after they edged India by six runs for a consolation Asia Cup victory.

India, who had already booked a meeting with Sri Lanka in Sunday’s final in Colombo, faltered in their chase of 266 despite a valiant 121 by opener Shubman Gill.

Mustafizur Rahman took three wickets while debutant Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Mahedi Hasan claimed two each as Bangladesh bowled out India for 259 to end their tournament on a high ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup.

“I think we have got a very good team (for the World Cup),” man of the Shakib, who scored 80 in Bangladesh’s 265-8, said after the win.

“Lot of injuries, and players coming in and going out didn’t help during this Asia Cup. I think we will be a dangerous side in the World Cup.”

India rested their key players including Virat Kohli and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in the inconsequential clash.

“We wanted to give some game time to the guys, keeping the bigger picture in mind. Not compromising on how we wanted to play this game,” India skipper Rohit Sharma said after his first loss in the tournament.

“Get in some players who are likely to play the World Cup. Axar batted brilliantly, but couldn’t finish. He showed a lot of character. Not to forget, Gill’s hundred was brilliant.”