India got a decisive victory over Bangladesh, by 41-run marginal, and this not only secured their place in the final but also ruled out Sri Lanka in the competition. The win makes India undefeated and deeply positioned in the lead to the title game in Dubai.
By choosing to be the first batters, India recorded 168-6 in their stipulated overs courtesy of a memorable performance by their opener Abhishek Sharma who smashed 75 runs on 37 balls. The fearless stroke play of the left hander comprised of six fours and five sixes and pushed India to a 46-run figure during the powerplay.
A mini collapse ensued but with the loss of three wickets in only 17 runs, Hardik Pandya calmed the situation down by playing a vital role of 38 off 29 balls, thus giving Bangladesh a challenging target.
Bangladesh responded by finding it difficult to form alliances even as opener Saif Hassan fought hard and topped the scorecard with 69 in 51 balls including five maximums. The other batters failed to score above 21 runs when the disciplined bowling attack by India strangled the chase.
Kuldeep Yadav was the heroin with the ball and scored the figures of 3-18 and Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy grabbed two wickets each and sent Bangladesh packed off with 127 figures in 19.3 overs.
This puts India at the top of the Super Four table, therefore making sure they will be in the final on Sunday in Dubai. Bangladesh and Pakistan now will be involved in a winner takes it all clash that must see who will accompany India to the title decider. India has shown balance in both batting and bowling front and the defending champions seem prepared to win the back to back Asia Cup trophies.
