Nidahas Trophy 2018, IND v BAN, Final Review: Dinesh Karthik's heroics help India clinch a thrilling finale

What a game of cricket! India managed to defeat Bangladesh in an absolute humdinger in Colombo to lift the Nidahas Trophy 2018 in the most terrific way possible. Dinesh Karthik played one of the best innings of his International career and proved his worth. It was a heartbreak for the Bangladeshis, who came so close but remained so far away from the trophy.

The Tigers got off to a good start with Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das striking a few boundaries. But their joy was short-lived as both players walked back in quick succession. One of the best players of the tournament, Washington Sundar got the first breakthrough by removing Liton. Chahal was handed the ball in the powerplay and he struck big, scalping Tamim.

Chahal picked up another wicket that of Soumya Sarkar in the first six, leaving the Bangladeshis in trouble at 33/3. Sabbir Rahman was the star of the innings for them today. He clobbering the bowlers with ease at one end despite the fall of wickets at the other. Bangladesh’s best player in this series Mushfiqur Rahim too failed to have any impact on the game.

In these tough moments, Sabbir added a very important partnership with Mahmudullah. Their 46-run stand for the 5th wicket brought them right back into the game. Their scoring rate also went up thanks to some the big hits from Sabbir, who completed a well-compiled half-century. A flurry of wickets towards the end once again halted their progress.

But Mehidy Hasan ensured they got a brilliant finish by smashing a 7-ball 19. Bangladesh registered 166 runs on the board courtest Sabbir Rahman‘s outstanding 50-ball 77. Chahal returned with impressive figures of 3/18, whilst Unadkat picked up two important wickets.

Rohit gives India a blazing start

Skipper Rohit Sharma was in the middle of a rough patch ever since the turn of the year. But the 30-year-old ensured his side got off to a brilliant start in the first 6 overs. He was at his vintage best, spanking some elegant boundaries dancing down the track against the spinners.

But Dhawan’s dismissal brought Bangladesh back in the game. Almost immediately, Suresh Raina edged the ball to Mushfiqur behind the stumps and walked back without scoring a run. KL Rahul and Rohit then added a 51-run partnership, which kept India in a commanding position. Rahul smashed a few boundaries and looked in good touch, but got dismissed for a 14-ball 24.

Rohit completed a fifty in the process and looked well-set for a big knock. But in an attempt to up the ante, he was soon dismissed. Manish Pandey and Vijay Shankar failed to keep up with the required rate and in the 18th over, Mustafizur Rahman gave away just one run and picked up the very important wicket of Manish Pandey.

With 34 runs needed in 2 overs, Dinesh Karthik walked in to play the innings of his life. He smashes a six, four and a six off the first three balls he faced, clobbering 22 runs in the penultimate over against Robel Hossain who had been their most economical bowler till that point. Soumya Sarkar did a good job in the final over and brought the equation down to 5 runs in one ball. But against all the odds, Karthik smashed a six over covers to gift India a famous win at Colombo.

Team India lifted the Nidahas Trophy 2018 despite losing the first game. It was a fitting finish to this series, which provided some mind-boggling games for the fans.

Brief Scores

Bangladesh: 166/8 in 20 overs (Sabbir Rahman 77; Yuzvendra Chahal 3/18, Jaydev Unadkat 2/33)

India: 168/6 in 20 overs (Rohit Sharma 56, Dinesh Karthik 29*; Rubel Hossain 2/35)