Powered by an unbeaten century by Gautam Gambhir India on Thursday defeated Bangladesh comprehensively by seven-wickets in the last league match of the tri-series to set up a summit clash against archrivals Pakistan on Saturday.
Set 223 to win, India overhauled the modest target with 14.5 overs to spare as the demolishing Indian opening pair of Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir scorched the Sher-e-Bangla stadium with thundering shots all around the park.
Sehwag (58), who hit a blazing half-century, put up 85 runs in just 10 overs for the first wicket along with Gambhir, setting a firm foundation for the convincing victory.
Earlier, Raqibul Hasan hit a brilliant 89-run knock to steer Bangladesh to 222 all out in 49.5 overs, after electing to bat on a good bating track. India emerged as superiors side in the tournament, finishing the league match engagements with two victories in as many matches and qualified for the final in style.
Pakistan by virtue of their win against Bangladesh entered the summit clash, slated for Saturday.
It was Gambhir's second successive hundred against Bangladesh and fifth overall, which was studded with 13 boundaries and one shot over the fence. After Ferhad Reza and Mashrafe Mortaza failed to stop merciless Delhi duo, skipper Mohammed Ashraful introduce young Dolar Mahmud into the attack in the 10th over. However, Ashraful had no idea what was in store for Mahmud as the Najafgarh marauder creamed him for 22 runs, hitting him for two extra-cover sixes and two leg-side boundaries.
In the process, Sehwag completed his 27th One-day half century consuming just 27 balls, though he succumbed on the last ball of the over while trying to hook Mahmud for another big shot. Gambhir, who did not get much strike earlier, had reeled off three boundaries in a Reza over, before Sehwag unleashed a flurry of strokes.
source : cricket.timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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