India beat Bangladesh by four wickets in the final of Nidahas T-20 trophy in the last ball deciding match. It was Dinesh Karthik who made 29 runs of just 8 balls, salvaged India to the win.
The nail biting match in the packed Premadasa Stadium and crores of supporters in the subcontinent have witnessed a thrilling match in the T-20 history.
India was in need of 5 runs in the final ball of Soumya Sarkar. Karthik was on strike. The experienced wicket keeper cum batsman hit the ball through long on for a six to win the match of targeted 167 runs.
In their batting Indians were stumbling at a moment but opener Rohit Sharma made a splendid innings of 56 runs of 42 balls. The other opener Dhawan scored 10. Among the Indian batsmen Rahul scored 24, Pandey 28 and Shankar 17 runs. Dinesh Karthik adjudicated player of the match for his cool head winning performance.
Among Bangladesh bowlers, Rubel took 2 while Shakib, Apu, Mustafiz and Soumya bagged one wicket each.
Earlier winning the toss India chose to bowl first against Bangladesh. Five out of six matches in the tournament have been won by chasing sides. Bangladesh have chosen not to change the side that won against Sri Lanka on Friday, meaning Nazmul Islam - the left-arm spin-bowling specialist who did not deliver a single ball in that game - retained his place.
Bangladesh lost their first wicket when the runs were 27. Liton Das was the victim with 11 runs. Within ten runs difference the second wicket falls and Tamim Iqbal was out scoring 15 runs. The Soumya departed just avoiding a duck facing 2 balls. On the other hand Shabbir was patient in the crease. Mushfiq scored 9 runs. Then the partnership of Mahmudullah and Sabbir was going well. But with a misunderstanding between them the set batsman Mahmudullah was run out scoring valuable 21 runs from just 16 balls. Skipper Shakib was out for 7. Facing 50 balls Shabbir Rahman scored 77 runs. He got out when the team runs were 147 at 18.2 overs. Rubel was out without scoring. At the end a quick 19 runs from 7 balls by Miraz helped Bangladesh to score 166 runs with loss of 8 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs.
Indian bowlers Chahal took 3 wickets, Unadkat 2 and Washington Sundar bagged one wicket for their team.
AH
