Asia Cup T20 Final: Bangladesh v India – 5 Talking Points

India lifted the Asia Cup T20 2016 for the record sixth time after trouncing hosts Bangladesh by 8 wickets in the rain-hit final at the Sher e Bangla Stadium. The match was dampened by rains and storms delayed the start and the match was forced to be reduced to a 15 over a side game. However, both teams put up an entertaining show to infuse life in the atmosphere. The hosts, after being put into bat, posted a highly impressive 121 runs for India to chase with the help of Sabbir Rahman’s responsible 33 runs from 29 balls and Mahmudullah Riyad’s feisty cameo of 33 runs from just 13 balls. In reply, India lost an early wicket but Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan piloted the chase easily and took India to a relaxed position before MS Dhoni came in and finished the match in his trademark style.

1. Rain delays start:

The match began two hours after the scheduled start after rains and thunderstorm hit the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. There was a total blackout at the stadium. Strong winds had damaged the big screen and the ground was flooded with water. All these scenes created doubts over the finals. However, the rains eased up soon and the sophisticated drainage system of the stadium, which is considered one of the best in the world, proved its reputation right. The ground staff did a fantastic job to get the ground match ready in a short span of time. Most of the water disappeared just a few moments after the rains stopped. The match was reduced to a 15 overs a side game with fielding restrictions will be applicable for five overs, and a bowler allowed to bowl a maximum of three overs.

2. India holds a tight grip over the hosts:

The pitch was reported to be ‘Bone Dry’ by experts in the pre-match show even after the heavy rains. Dhoni called it right during the toss and decided to chase. Ashish Nehra and Jasprit began steadily against Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar. After quiet first three overs, Sarkar and Tamim set themselves loose and hit three boundaries in the 4th over by Nehra before the left arm fast bowler hit back with the wicket of Soumya Sarkar off the last ball of the over. Bumrah then landed another blow to the hosts after he made Tamim Iqbal depart in the following over, leave Bangladesh in a bothersome situation after the 5th over.

3. Mahmudullah Riyad packs the heavy blow:

After the loss of the openers quite early, Bangladesh did not fumble much. In spite of losing wickets regularly, they kept accumulating runs steadily. However, the runs at the board looked under par considering the standard of the Indian. Bangladeshis were at 64 after the end of 10 overs and wanted someone to played an aggressive cameo. The departure of Mushfiqur Rahim in the 12th over brought Mahmudullah Riyad to the crease who gave his team what it demanded. Mahmudullah came and launched an assault on the Indian bowlers. The penultimate over by Hardik Pandya saw Mahmudullah score 21 runs off it. The right-hander muscled 33 runs from just 13 balls studded with 2 fours and 2 sixes to thrust Bangladesh to a commanding 120/5.

4. Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan stabilize the ship:

The target was challenging but achievable considering the firepower Indian batting line-up has. The start was little shaky after Al-Amin Hossain managed to provide the early breakthrough which Bangladesh hoped when taking the field. However, ‘out of form’ Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli combined together and denied the Bangladeshis any further movements to rejoice. The Delhi duo weaved a match-winning 94 runs stand which turned the match totally in India’s favor. Dhawan yet again proved why he is tagged as the ‘big match player’ after he hit an amazing 60 runs off just 44 balls laced with 9 fours and 1 six. His form was a concern but this innings will be very positive sign for India ahead of the World T20. Hi partner in crime, Kohli remained unbeaten and saw his skipper finish off the match in style. He made 41 runs consuming just 28 balls.

5. MS Dhoni administers the Coup de grace:

The Kohli-Dhawan partnership worth 94 runs was broken in the 13th over by Taskin Ahmed after Soumya Sarkar pulled off a stunning catch at point to remove Dhawan. His departure paved way for the ‘Best finisher in the world’ to come in land and  the knockout blow. India needed 19 runs off the last two overs. MS Dhoni took the strike in the penultimate over and made the India fans jump off their seat after he whacked the fist ball of the over for a giant 104 meter six. The impact of the shot was visible as the bustling crowd, which was roaring wildly had turned mute. Dhoni ticked a single to pass the strike to Kohli who brought him back to the strike by taking three runs. MS Dhoni, in his typical style, blasted a four and a six at the mid-wicket to finish the match quicker than it was expected.

The stats and records created during the game – Asia Cup T20 Final: Bangladesh v India – Statistical Highlights