After the semi-final loss in the T20 World Cup, the focus seems to be on rebuilding the team for a better performance in next year’s ODI World Cup. However, the journey towards that goal has started on a bad note after India conceded an undisputed 2-0 lead to Bangladesh on Wednesday. India’s shoddy batting display and inability to deliver the killing blow contributed to their second successive series loss in Bangladesh after the diminutive Mehidy Hasan Miraz led the hosts to a five-run second ODI victory with a memorable hundred. Miraz tormented the Indian bowlers en route to his first century as Bangladesh staged a remarkable recovery to hit 271 for seven. India’s challenge looked complete at 207 for seven, but a valiant effort from captain Rohit Sharma (51 not out from 28 balls) was for naught as he almost brought his team home while batting off a split left strap.
After the loss, former India opener Virender Sehwag gave a quirky take on India’s recent form. “Cryptos se bhi complexion gir rahi hai apni performance yaar(Our performance is falling faster than cryptocurrencies.) I need to shake myself up, wake up,” she wrote in a tweet.
Cryptos se bhi tez gir rahi hai apni performance yaar. I need to shake myself up, wake up.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 7, 2022
Speaking of the match, India needed a six on the last ball of the game, but Mustafizur did well to hone the yorker under pressure after unleashing a series of slow leg breaks in the 48th which forced Mohammed Siraj to play maiden.
Bangladesh also won their last home ODI series in 2015 when Mashrafe Mortaza’s men edged out MS Dhoni and Co.
The loss of the series also forces India back to the drawing board with the World Cup less than 12 months away.
At 65 for four, India were in dire straits in the run chase before a 107 ball run for 101 between Shreyas Iyer (82 for 102) and Axar Patel (56 for 56) brought them back into contention. .
Captain Rohit did not come out to open after injuring his elbow while playing in the Bangladesh innings. It was only after the fall of the seventh wicket that he decided to walk into the middle, but he clearly looked uncomfortable.
With PTI inputs
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