Tigers lose to India in Nidahas Trophy

FT ONLINE

Mushfiqur Rahim's fighting half century went in vain as Bangladesh suffered a 17-run defeat to India in the fifth match of Nidahas T20I tri-nation series on Wednesday.

Chasing a winning target of 177 runs set by India, Bangladesh fell shot as they were restricted at 159 for 6 in 20 overs.

With this win, India confirmed their final spot of the series while Bangladesh will have to wait till their last match against Sri Lanka as the Tiger have no option but to win their last match with better run rate to confirm their final berth.

Mushfiqur Rahim once again showed his prowess with bat as he fought till the end of Bangladesh's innings but failed to take his side at home after Indian bowlers produced some economical overs in the end.

The diminutive batsman Mushfiqur, who hit scored consecutive fifties in the series, blasted 55-ball off 72- run, an innings that studded with eight boundaries and one over boundary.

He also shared 65-run for the fifth wicket stand with Sabbir Rahman, who provided a little support to Mushfiq during the chase making 23-ball off 27-run that studded with two boundaries and one over boundaries.

Bangladesh failed to make a good start as they slipped 4 for 61 in 8.4 overs. Opener Tamim Iqbal scored 19-ball off 27-run while skipper Mahmudullah added only 11 run to his name.

Washington Sundar was the most successful bowler as he claimed three Bangladesh's wickets giving away 22 runs.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was named the player of the match for his impressive batting performance.

Earlier, India have posted 176 runs on the board for the loss of three wickets against Bangladesh, after they were forced to bat first by Bangladesh at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Opener Rohit Sharma powered his way to a 61-ball 89 before falling in the final ball of the innings.

The right handed batsman Sharma smashed five boundaries and equal number of over boundaries and during the process he also involved 102-run second- wicket stand with Suresh Raina who hit a 30-ball 47 runs that included five boundaries and two over boundaries before he fell victim of run out by a direct throw by Rubel Hossain.

The right handed opener Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan also involved a solid 70-run opening stand before Rubel uprooted the stump making clean bowled to Dhawan, who scored 27-ball off 35-run hitting five boundaries and one over boundaries.

Rubel Hossin was the pick of Bangladesh bowler as he claimed two wickets conceding 27 runs.

Bangladesh will play their return match against Sri Lanka scheduled to be held on Friday (March 16) at the same venue.