In the 17th game of the ODI World Cup 2023, India clashed with Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first. Virat Kohli, the cricketing sensation, delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 103 runs from only 97 balls, propelling India to a seven-wicket victory. This triumph not only secured their position at the pinnacle of the tournament standings but also showcased Kohli’s excellence in the sport.
Kohli’s century-sealing moment was truly iconic as he elegantly dispatched a six off Nasum Ahmed. He advanced down the pitch, connected with the ball perfectly, and employed his bottom hand to execute a lofted shot that comfortably sailed over the boundary. The jubilant crowd roared in celebration, and Kohli was warmly embraced by his partner, KL Rahul, as he made his way back to the dressing room.
Watch the Celebration Here:
Turning the focus back to the match itself, Bangladesh’s decision to bat first did not initially yield significant results. Their opening duo, Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das, cautiously faced India’s formidable bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj, during the initial five overs, with only 10 runs to their name. A key LBW decision review also favored Bangladesh. However, Litton Das seized the opportunity in the sixth over, capitalizing on short deliveries from Siraj, which marked the turning point. Tanzid Hasan contributed with a crucial six off Bumrah and followed it up with several boundaries off Siraj, shifting the game’s momentum.
The powerplay concluded with Bangladesh at 63/0, a substantial improvement from their initial 10/0. But the tide turned when Kuldeep Yadav managed to break the opening partnership. Bangladesh, which was 93/0 at one stage, soon found themselves struggling at 137/4. During this middle period, India’s bowlers exerted control over the match, putting pressure on Bangladesh and forcing them to depend on Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim to post a competitive total. While Rahim kept the score ticking, an outstanding catch by Jadeja at backward point removed him from the crease with a little over seven overs remaining. Mahmudullah played aggressively in the final five overs, allowing Bangladesh to reach a commendable total of 256.
In their chase, India began strongly with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill establishing a solid partnership of 88 runs for the first wicket. Although Rohit’s innings came to an end, Gill notched up a half-century before succumbing to Mehidy Hasan. Virat Kohli’s outstanding century then guided India to victory, achieving the target with seven wickets in hand and 51 balls to spare, thereby consolidating their position as tournament leaders.
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