Just go out there and get the bloody job done: Ravi Shastri

India lift the Asia Cup title, courtesy a match-winning knock by Shikhar Dhawan and a superb 94-run stand between him and Virat Kohli. The night was dramatic, there was rain, the start was delayed, the outfield was wet, the groundsmen and the drainage came into action as soon as the showers were off and prepared the ground for the big final. Indian skipper MS Dhoni won the toss and decided to bowl first and he decided to start with Ravichandran Ashwin who at the end of the night was the most effective bowler.

Bangladesh batted well to post 120 but in the end it was not sufficient to stop the march of this ruthless Indian team which won the 7th consecutive T20I match and lifted the Asia Cup trophy remaining unbeaten in the tournament.

Indian skipper MS Dhoni at the post match press conference said: “Thanks to the top-order batsmen, they have been doing really well. In the last few games that we have played, the top-order batsmen have done most of the job. They gave us a good platform once again. I think it is important for us to get a settled combination and that’s what we have got right from the Australian series. We are on track for the World T20. The beauty about (Jasprit) Bumrah is that he has the yorkers. He has a slightly different action as well. Hardik (Pandya) can bowl a few overs for us and he can bat and field as well, it’s a great package. Yuvi (Yuvraj Singh) is someone who loves to bat at No. 4, but looking at this team it’s really difficult to give him that slot but he’s really adjusted batting at No.5. Not just the top eleven, the rest of the guys in this side are match-winners as well. The good thing is they shoulder responsibility and never leave it to someone. This was a game where a lot was at stake. Bangladesh have improved a lot. They have a fantastic squad now. Of course, you feel hurt (on the loss to Bangladesh last time), but you can’t take those things to heart.  I can play the big shots. It’s all about consistency. Someone like Raina or Rohit can play the big shot as soon as they come out. We may be a very strong team but it’s really how you play on that day. This team is suitable for all conditions in the T20 format. Lot of people talk about luck. I know there’s luck factor in cricket but to play consistently you have to play good cricket. If anybody gave me a choice to play cricket and play for India, that will be my first choice. I love playing for my country.

Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza said: “I think credit goes to the boys, they played really well. Disappointed that we didn’t do well in the final. The boys are really working hard. We have some exciting batsmen and bowlers, hopefully this team will carry on from here. We have to play the qualifiers first before the World T20. We are looking forward to it.”

The man of the hour for India, who was as cool as we have ever seen him and as composed with his knock as he has been since ages, after seeing the team home through the chase, Virat Kohli said: “It was a tricky situation with Rohit getting out early. Me and Shikhar had to string a partnership. Credit goes to Shikhar for the way he batted. Big game player and delivering when the team needed the most. Struck it beautifully and that 94-run stand was the gamechanger. I’m still very young, not even 28. I try to stick to my basics, keep my head still and back my strengths so the risk becomes less. Don’t try to hit sixes. Was pretty electrifying in the stadium. Always big support for Bangladesh. Credit to them to make it into their fortress. I like the crowd being against me, pumps me up. More they boo me, more it motivates me,”

Dhawan once again proved his worth in this team, he showed his big match temperament and stood tall at the most important hour. The man of the match of the final, Shikhar Dhawan said: “It is very special (to get this award tonight). The best thing is we won the tournament. We worked hard as a team. Performing at the right time was good. We were comfortable while chasing and we never felt the pressure and things were under control. It is good to win matches for the side.”

What were the talking points of the match? – Asia Cup T20 Final: Bangladesh v India – 5 Talking Points