India see off Bangladesh to register first win in Nidahas Trophy

Colombo [Sri Lanka], Mar. 09 (ANI): India registered a six-wicket win over Bangladesh in the second match of the Twenty-20 tri-series, Nidahas Trophy, in Sri Lanka to maintain their 100 per cent record against their neighbours in the shortest format.

Shikhar Dhawan picked up from where he had left in the first match, scoring 55 runs from 43 balls, smashing five fours and two sixes to guide India to the win.

India won the toss and opted to field first, with their spinners stifling the scoring rate and picking up wickets at regular intervals to restrict Bangladesh to a meager 139.

Finishing with a career-best figure of 3-38, India seamer Jaidev Unadkat was Bangladesh's tormentor-in-chief.

The Indians did not find many a problem in chasing down the target, although stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma failed to capitalise on a decent start and could manage only 17 runs as his innings was ended by Mustafizur Rahman.

Manish Pandey and Suresh Raina chipped in 27 and 28 runs respectively to ensure India reach the target with eight balls to spare.

"I think it was a great performance, something that was expected from us. Right from the start to the last ball that was bowled, we were clinical. It was a complete team effort," said the winning captain Rohit Sharma.

Reflecting on the loss, Bangladesh skipper Mahmudullah said, "It's obvious that we didn't bat well. We should have scored more runs, around 30 more runs. We have to figure out how to score runs on this kind of wicket. I think we need to rotate the strike more often; the dot balls are creating pressure on the batsmen. I think we are just one win away, one win will boost us. We are still searching for that win."

Sri Lanka will play Bangladesh in the next match of the tournament at the same venue on Saturday. (ANI)