SLAM-BANG WIN CHAMPS INDIA CRUSH BANGLADESH, IN SEMIS
For about an hour or so, when Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina, were trying to stabilise the Indian innings after the dismissals of Dhawan, Kohli and Rahane, it appeared that Bangladesh might pull off an upset win.
Rubel Hossain and Taskin Ahmed were working up sharp pace, Shakib was using his vast experience to bowl a daunting line and length which gave the batsmen little liberty. India, after a rather good opening stand, were suddenly struggling badly for runs.
Indeed, the scoring rate got so sluggish that there were doubts whether a total of 250 would be reached. This is where the resilience of the team came through. The willingness to battle out of a tough situation without losing composure was really the success of Rohit and Raina.
In a strong batting line-up, it is not unknown for batsmen to show extravagance even in tight situations in the belief that the man following them would make amends. This is a recipe for disaster, as has been seen so often, and it was heartening to see these two avoiding that pitfall.
On behalf of Bangl- adesh, it could be argued that Rubel Hossain was perhaps unlucky that a full toss which Rohit hit down a fielder’s throat was declared an illegitimate delivery. But I would not go only by what slow motion replays — often proved wrong — would suggest for the call of the square leg umpire was spontaneous. Rather, I think both Rohit and Raina benefited by Mashrafe Mortaza giving Rubel Hossain a very brief opening spell. The young fast bowler had tested the batsmen with pace and swing. Removing him from the attack eased the pressure considerably and allowed Rohit and Raina to flourish.
Once he had settled down, Raina’s aggression grabbed the initiative from the opponents and gave the innings much needed impetus. While he did not score as many runs as his partner, Raina’s contribution was invaluable too.
Rohit, of course, was just superb, crafting an innings of resolve and intelligence before exploding into the dazzling strokes which make him such a marvellous talent. The enigma of why he does not play such innings consistently persists, but of that another day.
Once India reached 250, Bangladesh were in trouble; when the score went beyond 300, there was hardly any doubt which side would win. The Indian bowling has been exceptional all through the tournament and it was no different on Thursday.
Pace and slow bowlers alike were quickly into their rhythm, not allowing any partnership to develop. The Bangladesh batsmen were throttled by the sheer accuracy and control of the bowlers, which was accentuated further by the superb fielding.
This is one aspect of the team’s performances in this tournament which has not got as much attention as it deserves. A couple of catches that Dhoni took on Thursday, Dhawan’s juggling effort on the fence and the quicksilver reflexes with which Jadeja effected a runout would have done credit to Australia or South Africa.
I haven’t seen a better Indian fielding side. However good the batting and bowling, it is the enthusiasm and catching ability on the field which provides the winning edge. This is not uncommon knowledge, but seemed to be alien to the ethos of Indian cricket till now.