ICC World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli hits century as India ease past Bangladesh 

Bangladesh 256-8 (50 overs): Das 66 (82), Tanzid 51 (43); Jadeja 2-38

India 261-3 (41.3 overs): Kohli 103* (97), Gill 53 (55); Hasan Miraz 2-47

India won by seven wickets

Virat Kohli smashed a superb century as India defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets in the 17th match of the ICC World Cup 2023. 

The Men in Blue were favourites to win on Thursday after they entered the contest with a hat-trick of victories. 

The Tigers made a decent effort by setting up a target of 257 but that was easily chased down by the Rohit Sharma-led side. 

Brilliant opening stand 

Bangladesh made an impressive start to the game after winning the toss at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. 

Tanzid Hasan and Liton Das faced a challenging first few overs but soon they settled down and started hitting boundaries to put the pressure back on the opposition. 

They created a 93-run partnership, with both players completing half-centuries. 

However, Kuldeep Yadav managed to break the opening stand by dismissing Hasan on 51. 

Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mahidy Hasan also departed soon before Das fell prey to Ravindra Jadeja on 66 in the 28th over. 

Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah made useful contributions to ensure they reach a respectable total of 256. 

But Bangladesh could have made a far greater score if they had capitalised on their excellent opening stand. 

Comfortable chase for India 

The hosts made a blistering start as skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill punished Bangladeshi bowlers by hitting boundaries and sixes to all parts of the ground. 

Sharma smashed two sixes and seven boundaries but fell short of his half-century by just two runs, with Hasan Mahmud taking his wicket.  

Meanwhile, Gill made 53 off 55 before he was caught by Mahmudullah off Mehidy Hasan’s bowling. 

But with Virat Kohli on the crease, India were still in the dominating position. 

The 34-year-old batted beautifully and completed another century with the help of six boundaries and four sixers. 

KL Rahul also contributed 34 as the Men in Blue comfortably chased down the target with seven wickets in hand and 51 balls remaining. 

India will now return to action against New Zealand on Sunday, while Bangladesh will face South Africa next week, hoping to end their poor run in the World Cup. 

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