India got their Asia Cup campaign off to a winning start on Wednesday when they beat hosts Bangladesh by six wickets in Fatullah, with Virat Kohli’s century helping them reach the 280 required.
Bangladesh posted a good but short total of 279 for seven, thanks in large part to a century from skipper Mushfiqur Rahim. Kohli then negated that ton with a 136 of his own as India won with an over to spare.
Rahim made 117 before going out in the final over, having battled through a Varun Aaron beamer that hit him flush in the ribs. Aside from Rahim, Anamul Haque’s 77 was the only other meaningful score.
The Tigers lost the toss and were put in to bat by Kohli, skippering in place of the injured MS Dhoni, and initially it appeared to be a bad call. Bangladesh survived the loss of early wickets as Anamul and Rahim put on a stand of 133.
Mohammed Shami was the pick of India’s bowler though, taking four wickets, including three late ones, to slow the home momentum and prevent a 300-plus score on a flat deck.
India’s chase got off to an OK start, with the openers each scoring 20s. But Kohli and Rahane then combined for most of the innings, scoring 213 runs together before Kohli fell to Rubel Hossain. Rahane was out soon afterwards, for 73.
Kohli’s knock came off 122 balls, and included two sixes and 16 fours. It was his 19th ODI century in 131 games. Rahane added seven fours and a six to the score as he supported his skipper.
But India only needed three to the over at that point, with only a few overs to go, so Ambhati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik were able to score the runs in singles with an over to spare.
