Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)-Young left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman continued from where he left off in the first One-Day-International and tormented India with renewed vigour as Bangladesh upset India in the second ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
With an unassailable 2-0 lead, it recorded its maiden series victory over the neighbor, reports The Hindu.
The enthusiasm of the passionate spectators had turned into anticipation after the first win, and the anticipation soon transformed into exhilaration following the historic second victory, which also ensured Bangladesh a slot in the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy in 2017.
It would have reminded many of the recent 3-0 drubbing of Pakistan. It was also the 10th straight ODI triumph for the Tigers on their home soil.
In the rain-affected encounter, India, electing to bat, was bundled out for 200 in 45 overs as 19-year-old Mustafizur returned career-best figures of six for 43.
Chasing 200 off the revised 47 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis method, Bangladesh gave a clinical performance to post a six-wicket win with plenty to spare.
India captain M.S. Dhoni provided more depth to the side by effecting three changes — Ajinkya Rahane, Mohit Sharma and Umesh Yadav made way for Ambati Rayudu, Axar Patel and Dhawal Kulkarni. However, the Indians were found wanting in implementing their plans.
EARLY STRIKE
Mustafizur dismissed Rohit Sharma off the second ball of the match, Nasir Hossain taking a spectacular catch at point to trigger jubilation in the galleries.
The Delhi duo of Shikhar Dhawan (53) and Virat Kohli (23) batted sensibly to add 74 runs for the second wicket.
Part-time spinner Nasir Hossain struck twice within a brief period to disturb India’s plans. Kohli was trapped in front in the 13th over as the ball held its line. Dhoni, coming in at No. 4, stitched a 35-run partnership with Dhawan before the opener stepped out against Nasir and edged to wicketkeeper Liton Das.
Rubel Hossain had Rayudu for a duck in the next over as the Tigers wrested the momentum in style.
Dhoni and his reliable partner Suresh Raina responded well by exploiting the gaps and rotating the strike in the middle overs.
But, Mustafizur destroyed the Indian innings on his return. With the precision of a computer-operated missile, he used his deadly ‘cutter’ to perfection. Off the second delivery in the batting PowerPlay, Mustafizur left Raina stunned with an accurate bouncer that took the left-hander’s edge and rested in Das’s gloves.
In his next over, Mustafizur outwitted Dhoni, caught at short cover, and followed it up by rapping Axar Patel’s pads.
The cub roared like a full-grown tiger as he had Ashwin at his wit’s end and became only the second bowler after Zimbabwean Brian Vitori to record five-for performances in his first two ODIs. India had some respite during the two-hour rain interruption, but its innings lasted only seven balls after resumption as Mustafizur captured his sixth wicket and Rubel his second.
In reply, Bangladesh executed its plans well to overhaul the modest target.
Soumya Sarkar (34) and Liton Das (36) provided a solid platform, forging a 52-run partnership following a 34-run stand for the opening wicket.
Mushfiqur Rahim (31) and Shakib Al Hasan (51 n.o.) completed the memorable win before switching to a celebratory mood.
BBN/SK/AD