India Continues World Cup Streak with 4th Consecutive Win, Overpowers Bangladesh by 7 Wickets
Virat Kohli's Century & Fast Start Seal Victory for Team India
PUNE: Team India's stellar performance in the World Cup 2023 remains untarnished as they secured their fourth consecutive victory, defeating Bangladesh by 7 wickets. In a match filled with remarkable feats, Virat Kohli not only achieved his 48th ODI century but also crossed the significant milestone of the fastest 26,000 international runs, accomplishing this record in just 567 innings. It's worth noting that Sachin Tendulkar previously achieved this feat in 600 innings.
The 17th match of the One Day World Cup 2023 unfolded at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, where Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first. They set a target of 257 for 8, courtesy of commendable half-centuries by Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das. Tanzid Hasan contributed 51 runs from 43 balls, embellishing his innings with 5 fours and 3 sixes, while Litton Das crafted 66 runs from 82 balls, including 7 fours. Mahmudullah added 46 runs from 36 balls, supported by 3 fours and 3 sixes. However, other Bangladesh batsmen struggled to leave their mark as Indian bowlers showcased a commendable performance. Bumrah, Siraj, and Jadeja claimed two wickets each, while Shardul Thakur and Kuldeep Yadav contributed with 1 wicket apiece.
In pursuit of the target, the Indian team initiated their innings with vigor and speed. Rohit Sharma's dismissal for 48 runs at the hands of Hasan Mahmood marked the first setback for India. Subsequently, Shubman Gill seized the opportunity to mark his first half-century in the World Cup, accumulating 53 runs before being dismissed by Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The responsibility of steering the match towards victory then fell into the capable hands of Virat Kohli.
Kohli's exceptional performance shone as he scored 103 runs from 97 balls, securing his 48th international century and embellishing his innings with 6 fours and 4 sixes. Shreyas Iyer, with 19 runs, was the only wicket to fall prematurely. Wicketkeeper KL Rahul played a pivotal role, standing firm with an unbeaten 34 runs. Ultimately, India clinched the match with 7 wickets in hand, marking their fourth consecutive win in the World Cup. With this remarkable victory, Team India continues to be a dominant force in the tournament, leaving cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipating their next match.