Dinesh Karthik's thrilling innings helps India beat Bangladesh, lift Nidahas trophy
Colombo, Mar 18 (IBNS): Dinesh Karthik turned out to be the hero for India as his late 8-ball 29 runs innings and a last-ball six helped the Men In Blue beat Bangladesh by four wickets and lift the tri-nation T20 title here on Sunday.
A six in the last ball by Karthik left the Indian team bursting out on the field in joy.
Colombo witnessed a thrilling final with the match evenly balanced for both the sides at one point of the game.
India needed five runs in the last ball of their innings.
Soumya Sarkar was given the charge by Bangladesh bowler Shakib Al Hasan to bowl the last over the match.
India needed 12 runs to win the title.
However, Sarkar, despite picking up a wicket, failed to win the match for his side, leaving the tigers disappointed.
Bangladesh earlier posted 166 runs for the loss of eight wickets and India came down to reach 168 runs by losing six wickets.
Karthik emerged as the champion batsman for India on Sunday night in Colombo as he smashed two boundaries and three sixes in his title winning knock.
India were losing wickets at regular intervals and at one point of time it was Bangladesh that was slowly cruising towards victory after skipper Rohit Sharma (56) departed.
India made a strong start with Sharma playing the Bangladeshi bowlers comfortably.
He smashed four boundaries and three sixes in his 42-ball knock and kept India in the game.
KL Rahul (24) and Manish Pandey (28) made some important contribution with their willows, specially after Shikhar Dhawan (10) and Suresh Raina (0) departed at quick succession.
Rohit's departure added more pressure on the Indian bating line up.
However, a late hurricane knock by Karthik helped India win another series overseas.
The victory for this India squad was special as several key Indian players were rested for the tournament.
Sharma captained the squad instead of regular skipper Virat Kohli.
Kohli has been rested for the tournament.
Despite initial jolts, Sabbir Rahman added crucial 77 runs with his willow that helped Bangladesh post competitive 166 runs for the loss of eight wickets.
At one point of time, Bangladesh were struggling at 33 runs for the loss of three wickets with Chahal and Washington Sundar giving initial blows to the opposition.
Sabbir came down to the crease at that point with positive intention in his mind.
He smashed seven boundaries and four sixes in his 50-ball knock.
Mahmudullah, who was hero of the last match against Sri Lanka, added 21 runs with his willow.
Chahal added three wickets and Unadkat picked up two wickets for Bangladesh.
Image: BCCI Twitter page
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