Asia Cup: Gill's century in vain as Bangladesh beat India by six runs

COLOMBO: India opener Shubman Gill's fifth ODI century went in vain as Bangladesh beat India by six runs in the Super Four match of the Asia Cup at the R Premadasa Stadium on Friday.

Shakib Al Hasan and Towhid Hridoy shone brightly as they scored remarkable half-centuries to help the team reach 265/8. Later, the Bangladesh pacers demonstrated their mettle with great precision in their deliveries to successfully defend the total.

Though Gill hit eight fours and five sixes in a masterful knock, and Axar Patel made a quick 42 off 34 balls at the fag end, it was not enough as India were bowled out for 259 in 49.5 overs, with Mustafizur Rahman taking three wickets as Bangladesh signed off from the competition on a high.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib took 2-32 on debut before the four-man spin attack relied on turn and bounce from the pitch to apply the choke on India.

Winning the toss and electing to bowl first, India started well as it managed to bag four wickets of Bangladesh very early. However, captain Shakib Al Hasan (80) and Towhid Hridoy (54) batted brilliantly and helped Bangladesh reach a better score. Later, Nasum, Mahedi and Tanzim brought out an impressive display of stroke play to add 87 runs collectively and take the team to a winning total. Shakib, who excelled with the batt and took a wicket, was adjudged the man of the match.

Brief scores:

Bangladesh 265/8 in 50 overs (Shakib Al Hasan 80, Towhid Hridoy 54; Shardul Thakur 3-65, Mohammed Shami 2-32) beat India 259 all out in 49.5 overs (Shubman Gill 121, Axar Patel 42; Mustafizur Rahman 3-50, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 2-32) by six runs.