India crush Bangladesh to win T20 Asia Cup
India clinched its sixth Asia Cup title after beating hosts Bangladesh by eight wickets in the final of the T20 tournament in Dhaka on Sunday. A quickfire half century by opener Shikhar Dhawan helped the tournament favourites seal a comfortable win in the rain-curtailed match.
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The match was reduced to 15-over-a-side affair after rain delayed the start of play for two hours. Batting first, Bangladesh scored posted a fighting total of 121 with Mahmudullah providing the impetus with an unbeaten 33 off just 13 balls.
He was involved in an unbeaten 45 runs partnership with Sabbir Rahman who scored unbeaten 32 off 29 balls. Shakib Al Hasan made a notable contribution of 21.
In their reply, India, despite the early loss of Rohit Sharma, never looked troubled as Dhawan smashed 60 off 44 balls while the No 3 batsman Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 41 runs. The two put on 94 runs for the second wicket partnership.
Indian skipper MS Dhoni provided the fireworks at the end scoring 20 not out with two sixes and a four in the final over.
Dhoni credited his top order batsmen for the win and said the team was on track for World T20 which starts in India from Tuesday.
India’s win in Bangladesh, their streak of 10 wins from last 11 T20 matches and home support means Dhoni's men are the favourites to clinch their second T20 World Cup.
South Africa, West Indies and the top ranked Test & ODI team Australia are the other favourites to win the crown.
Australia beat South Africa by five wickets in the second Twenty20 international at the Wanderers Stadium on Sunday to tie the three-match series is tied at 1-1
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