IND vs BAN, ICC World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli century grabs limelight in India's comfortable win over Bangladesh

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Virat Kohli steals the show with his 48th ODI century after Rohit Sharma's and Shubman Gill's explosive start helped India chase down a target of 257 runs by the 42nd over against Bangladesh during ICC World Cup 2023 at the MCA International Stadium in Pune on Thursday (October 19).

This was India's fourth win in succession, all being one-sided matched, and are the only two of the teams to remain unbeaten in the ICC World Cup 2023 along with New Zealand, who are top of the table on the basis of net run-rate.

In the chase of 257, India started off brilliantly, with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill seeing off any powerplay threats by Bangladesh. Fifty runs were up for India in just nine overs.

At the end of the first powerplay, India was at 63/0, with Gill (26*) and Rohit (37*) unbeaten. Gill had smacked Nasum Ahmed for two sixes in the same over. Shubman continued to pick up speed, smashing Mustafizur Ahmed for three fours in the next over.

Hasan Mahmud picked the prized scalp of skipper Rohit for 48 in 40 balls, with seven fours and two sixes. India was 88/1 in 12.4 overs after Rohit was caught by Towhid Hridoy at deep square leg while attempting his signature pull shot.

After some extra runs via no ball and Virat Kohli making full use of free hits, 100-run was up for India in 12.5 overs. Gill reached his first WC fifty in 52 balls, with five fours and two sixes. He was soon dismissed by Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 53 off 55 balls, after being caught by Mahmadullah. India was 132/2 in 19.2 overs.

Following this, Shreyas Iyer and Virat took the innings forward. 150-run mark was up for India in 22.4 overs. Virat reached his third fifty of WC 2023 in 48 balls, with four boundaries and a six.

The pairing of Mahmadullah-Miraz once again ended a budding partnership, removing Iyer for 19 after he was caught by the former at deep midwicket. India was 178/3 in 29.1 overs. KL Rahul and Virat took India to the 200-run mark in 33.3 overs.

Virat sealed his 48th ODI ton, 78th international ton and India's win with a six, finishing at 261/3 in 41.3 overs. Mehidy took two wickets for Bangladesh, Hasan got one.

Earlier, Bangladesh's explosive start was eclipsed by India's clinical bowling as they set a target of 257 in the ongoing World Cup on Thursday at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.