World Cup points table: India have won four out of four matches so far.© AFP
World Cup 2023 Points Table: Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets in an ODI Cricket World Cup match. Virat Kohli scored his 48th ODI ton off 97 balls as India got the better of a 257-run target set by Bangladesh in 41.3 overs. Despite the win, India failed to climb to the top of the Cricket World Cup points table. Both India and New Zealand are on eight points from four matches, but the latter has a net run-rate of +1.923, while the former’s NRR stands at +1.659.
Earlier, as has been the case with each of India’s opponents in the World Cup so far, scoring runs against arguably the best bowling attack in the competition also proved a big ask for Bangladesh, who managed a modest 256/8 off a batting -friendly competition. on the surface on Thursday. In fact, Bangladesh wasted a great start, leaving them a formidable 90 without loss after 14 overs, but India’s bowling once again came to the fore here, despite the hosts missing all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who limped off the field. after twisting his ankle.
India lost Pandya in the ninth over when he tried to stop a straight drive on Litton Das’ bat with his right foot and fell to the ground. Pandya was given initial treatment on the field, but as he started walking towards his bowling alley, it became clear he was not going to continue and he subsequently left the field.
The BCCI later said that Pandya had been taken for scans, and former England captain Nasser Hussain said on air that he would be available to bat in the second innings, but an official confirmation on that was awaited.
With all options at his disposal, the fact that Rohit Sharma picked Virat Kohli to complete the injured Pandyas – while India were still looking for a maiden breakthrough – showed how confident India are with their bowling attack in this competition.
Kuldeep Yadav provided the first breakthrough and Ravindra Jadeja the second as it was India all the way and Bangladesh found themselves at less than five runs per over after a robust start.
In fact, Jadeja’s was the standout performance, with the all-rounder producing a paltry 10-0-38-2 and an excellent diving catch to dismiss Mushfiqur Rahim.
With PTI inputs
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