Xtra Time Web Desk: A splendid hundred (121) by Shubman Gill went in vain as India fell short by 6 runs in the Super 4 game against Bangladesh in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 at the R Premadasa stadium on Friday.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bowl first. Despite having secured their place in the final, India made five changes to their lineup from their previous 41-run victory against Sri Lanka.
Notably, India rested some key players, including Virat Kohli, vice-captain Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj. Making his ODI debut, Tilak Varma received his cap from Rohit Sharma, with Suryakumar Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Shardul Thakur, and Prasidh Krishna also entering the playing XI. Varma and Prasidh are not part of the World Cup squad, but India likely considered this match an opportunity to give them some valuable match practice in case of injury-related squad changes.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, included debutant Tanzim Hasan Sakib in their lineup, and he made an immediate impact by taking two early wickets, including the crucial wicket of Rohit Sharma. Shubman Gill anchored the innings, scoring a century, but his dismissal shifted the game’s momentum.
Despite Axar Patel’s efforts, it was not enough for India. Bangladesh’s strategy of fielding four spinners paid off as they managed to tie down the Indian batsmen during the middle overs, capitalizing on the turning pitch. The pacers also played their part by sharing five wickets among them, ultimately helping Bangladesh secure the victory.