India pulled off the sensational victory from the jaws of defeat against Bangladesh in the Tri-nation Nidahas Trophy final. Interestingly, Rohit Sharma was preparation for something different which one couldn’t think off for a while.
However, the skipper of India’s second-string side didn’t witness the winning shot
On a super Sunday, in the summit clash in Colombo Dinesh Karthik played a blinder to lift the trophy against the Tigers.
At one stage, India was reeling at 133 for five, before wicketkeeper-batsman Karthik turned the heat on Bangladesh’s bowlers.
“Very happy to see Dinesh doing what he did, he didn’t get much game time until now, but he showed his power,” Rohit stated.
Earlier, the Tigers were restricted at 166 for eight in 20 allotted overs.
Pertinently, the senior campaigners in the form of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and skipper Virat Kohli were rested.
The right-handed batsman Karthik was a cut above the batters on the day. On the other side, Rohit smashed his 14th Twenty20 International half-century to keep his side in the game.
Flexing the muscles, Karthik smashed 22 runs in the penultimate over of Indian innings on the bowling of Rubel Hossain. The power-hitting brought India right into the game.
India required 12 runs off last six deliveries before the drama unfolded. India was in dire straits when one of the visiting sides needed five runs off the final delivery.
However, Karthik clobbered the ball over extra cover region when Soumya Sarkar was bowling. The stadium erupted in joy to witnesses the unbelievable moment of the gentleman’s game.
The well-oiled unit has outperformed the opposition under the interim skipper Rohit.
Spin duo in the form of leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and promising lanky slow-bowler Washington Sundar.
Karthik, who smashed the maximum on the very first ball he faced. He began the assault which had no answer from the Bangladeshi bowlers.
Following the rush of adrenaline, India chased down the target on the final delivery of their innings with four wickets in hand.
Rohit Sharma was preparing for the Super Over?
Well, the support staff were about to rush onto the field to cherish the victory, Rohit put on his pads.
“I had walked back in the dressing room to wear my pads,” Rohit revealed in a presser.
Karthik smashed three sixes and two boundaries in his eight-ball 29-run knock.
“We held him back because of his finishing ability and his experience. And it paid off. I always had a lot of faith in our batting group and we were confident after keeping them to a par score,” Rohit asserted.
It has been the solid reason, Rohit couldn’t witness the super six struck by Karthik at R. Premadasa Stadium.
The die-hard fans hailed Karthik for his splendid efforts, as Rohit believed the match would go into the Super Over.
“Brilliant game, brilliant for the crowd who have come out in numbers. The support we got here from this crowd was brilliant, it would be a bit different if we were playing Sri Lanka but I would like to thank them for their show tonight,” Rohit said.
Incredible end to what had been such a great season. What a way to pull off a victory. Magnificent from the entire unit ?? ?? @BCCI
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 18, 2018
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