29/12/2022
Ashwin punches the air in delight, Iyer is elated too and so are their teammates in the dressing room. It was a canter at the end but let that not fool you - this was a proper thriller of a game. Bangladesh will wonder how they let this slip, having had India tottering at 74/7 not so long ago. At that point, the target of 145 looked a long, long way ago. It required the cricketing smarts and temperament of the Ashwin-Iyer partnership to bail the visitors out. The duo showed everyone exactly how to play on a turning surface, negating the challenge with a fine mix of caution and aggression. The intent clearly surprised Bangladesh who couldn't find an answer to the duo's counterpunch. They did have a chance early though, when Mominul put down Ashwin at short leg. In all fairness though, 145 was never going to be a threatening score but Mehidy and co almost pulled it off for the hosts. India may have won this game but there are serious concerns to ponder about, notably the form of their senior men. Some of the batting against spin has been unbelievably bad, more so when you factor in that these are sub-continental players - those who are supposed to be good against spin.
