India vs Bangladesh, Asia Cup 2023: Shubman Gill century in vain as Rohit Sharma-led side loses inconsequential Super 4 Match

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Colombo, Sep 15: Shubman Gill delivered a stellar century - his fifth in ODIs - to showcase his batting talent but India suffered a shock 6-run defeat against Bangladesh on Friday (September 15) in the last Super 4 Match of Asia Cup 2023 in Colombo.

With his exceptional performance, Gill - who also became the first player to 1000 ODIs in 2023 - was the only highlight for the Men in Blue in a rather dull batting effort under the lights in front of a spirited bowling show from Bangladesh.

Bangladesh stun India in dead rubber

The inconsequential match ended with Bangladesh's score of 265 for 8, and the Rohit Sharma-led Indian side falling short at 259. Gill scored an impressive 121 off 133 balls but it wasn't enough as his team fell short in run chase.

Despite facing an uphill battle after being sent into bat first, Bangladesh managed to pull off a commendable innings, thanks to the noteworthy contributions of Shakib al Hasan (80) and Towhid Hridoy (54). This unexpected victory over the Indian team was a much-needed boost for the Bangladesh team, rekindling their confidence going forward in the tournament.

India batters disappoint against Bangladesh

Unfortunately for India, apart from Gill's brilliant knock, there was a lack of support from the other end as the rest of the team couldn't match up to expectations. Credit also goes to Bangladeshi captain Shakib Al Hasan for his astute captaincy moves and the way he rotated his bowlers.

Bangladeshi pacers, especially debutant right-arm pacer Taznim Hasan Sakib (2/32 from 7.5 overs), performed exceedingly well with the new ball and pushed the Indian batters on the backfoot. Spinners also never allowed the Indians to frame threatening partnerships.

With key players like Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya rested for this match, the dependence on captain Rohit Sharma and the remaining batting line-up increased. However, the Indian batsmen faltered one by one, unable to convert their starts into substantial scores, thus leaving the team in a precarious position.

His century, though it came in a losing cause, will be remembered for its sheer beauty and class. Looking forward, India has already secured its spot in the final and will face off against Sri Lanka.

Axar Patel failed to finish the game

At the back end of the run chase, Axar Patel played a valiant knock of 42 and kept India in the hunt. But his dismissal in the 49th over, bowled by Mustafizur Rahman proved fatal for the Men In Blue. Axar tried to up the ante to finish the game, but the left-arm pacer showed his experience to outfox the Indian all-rounder.

In the end, the Indian innings ended for 259 as Mohammed Shami was run out on the penultimate delivery of the match when India required 8 off 2 balls. India will take on home side Sri Lanka in the highly-anticipated Asia Cup 2023 final on Sunday (September 17).