Asia Cup 2023: India vs Bangladesh, Super 4, 6th ODI - Who Said What?

India suffered a heart-breaking six-run defeat ahead of the mega-final against Sri Lanka, which is slated to take place on September 17. Batting first, Bangladesh lost a few quick wickets initially, but Shakib Al Hasan and Towhid Hridoy built a crucial partnership to help the Bangla Tigers post 265 runs on board in the first innings.

The skipper hit 80 runs, while Hridoy contributed 54. In the absence of Kuldeep Yadav, India failed to make a mark in the middle overs. That’s what Bangladesh took advantage of and posted a massive total on board.

When it came to the chase, India lost wickets at a rapid pace. Shubman Gill was the lone warrior, hitting 121 runs in the process. He kept India in the game. Axar Patel hit 42 runs, but it was too tough in the end for them to carry. The aim of today’s match was to test the reserve bench, which ultimately flopped.

Talking Points of the match between India and Bangladesh

Shakib Al Hasan - cometh the hour, cometh the man!

Regarded as one of the best all-rounders of the modern era, skipper Shakib Al Hasan rose to the occasion when it mattered the most. He hit 80 runs in the middle and completely changed the complexion of the game. Courtesy of his incredible knock and partnership with Hridoy, Bangladesh posted a massive total on the board.

Failure of India’s reserve bench

India tried Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav, but neither of them were able to shine when the opportunity was there for them. Ahead of the ODI World Cup, that’s a massive reason to worry about.

Shubman Gill’s brilliance

Shubman Gill managed to hit yet another century in the ODI format but couldn’t help his team cross the line. He has completed over 1,000 runs in this calendar year in ODI cricket, but India’s defeat will bother the cricketer. However, ahead of the final, this performance will boost his morale.

Losing skipper Rohit Sharma said:

We wanted to give some game time to the guys, keeping the bigger picture in mind. Not compromising on how we wanted to play this game. Get in some players who are likely to play the World Cup. Axar batted brilliantly but couldn't finish. He showed a lot of character. But credit to the Bangladesh bowlers. Gill's hundred was brilliant. He backs his game, he knows exactly how he wants to play. Pretty clear on what he wants to do for the team. Look at his form over the last year. Pretty solid against the new ball. Works really hard, there's no optional practice for Gill.

Winning skipper and POTM Shakib Al Hasan said:

Yes, we gave the guys who haven't played match. After last couple of games, we thoughts spinners will do well. Today, I went early and had time to spend on the crease. It was a challenging wicket. It was seaming a bit and it got easier when the ball got older. (On Mahedi Hasan) It wasn't an easy time to bowl, he came to bowl and got us the breakthrough. He also bowled five overs at the end which is not easy. Also, Tanzim bowled well at the start and took two wickets. We have got a very good team. A lot of players injured and some going in and out, that didn't help us. I think we will be a dangerous side in the World Cup.