India’s struggles against spin came to the fore once again, this time before the big final of Asia Cup 2023. Despite Shubman Gill hitting a sensational 121, his 5th ODI hundred, India failed to chase down 266 against Bangladesh in their final Super 4s match on a sporting pitch in Colombo on Friday, September 15.
India, as expected, tested their bench strength by resting as many 5 players, including Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya. However, their batting frailties against spin were exposed once again as Shubman Gill lacked the support during his valiant knock in their chase of 266.
Shubman Gill showcased his class as he looked the only batter who had answers to the spin threat from Bangladesh at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Gill hit 8 boundaries and 5 sixes for his 133-ball 121. Gill effortlessly switched gears even as he kept losing partners. The 24-year-old kept putting the pressure with his big hits whenever Bangladesh tried to choke the flow of runs.
It was a flawless knock from Shubman Gill who took his time to get going after Bangladesh debutant pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib troubled the top order by swinging the ball both ways under light. India’s chase got off to a poor start as they lost Rohit Sharma for 0 in the first over when the India captain hit an outswinger straight into the hands of the cover fielder.
India had made 5 changes to their XI for the dead rubber against Bangladesh in Colombo as they had already qualified for the final of Asia Cup 2023 with wins over Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Suryakumar Yadav returned to the line-up with Tilak Varma made his ODI debut.
