Kohli doubling up again as he eyes Aussie showdown
INDIA V BANGLADESH ROUND-UP
ANOTHER batting masterclass by Virat Kohli secured a 208-run victory in Hyderabad for India, extending the hosts undefeated streak to 19 Tests.
Kohli hit his fourth Test double century in the last 12 months as India racked up a mammoth first innings score of 687-6 with Murali Vijay (108) and Wriddhiman Saha (106) also reaching three figures.
Mushfiqur Raham gave Bangladesh a sliver of hope in this sole Test match by making 127, but the tourists were all out for 388, giving India a massive advantage.
That allowed the hosts to declare on 159-4 second time round thanks to a half century for Cheteshwar Pujara.
And though Bangladesh batted for more than 100 overs, with Mahmadullah top-scoring on 64 off 149 deliveries, they still fell a long way short.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja both picked up four wickets, while Ishant Sharma claimed 2-40 off 13 overs.
Kohli said:“The wicket was really good to bat on, but I didn’t expect myself to get 200 off 240 balls. Usually I take more time.
“The wicket allowed me to play my shots. It was really important to get into the rhythm going into a big series against Australia.
“The only thing we could have done better is close the second innings quickly. There was a lapse in body language when they were eight down.
“We should have taken the chances and finished the game 45 minutes before we actually did.
“We need to improve. Closing off games is important, especially in Test cricket.You don’t want to give opposition any chance to get into the game.
“That’s something we need to keep repeating as a team.”