Indians ensure semi-final spot in, Bangladesh face exit

India beat hosts Bangladesh by eight wickets, in what was another easy win set up by the bowlers for the men in blue. The result ensures India a spot in the semifinals on being unbeaten in Group Two, while the hosts are facing a certain early exit.

Amit Mishra, the man of the match in both previous wins, and R Ashwin were instrumental in restricting Bangladesh to 138-7.

India surpassed the modest target with nine deliveries to spare to record their third successive win and book a semi-final berth even before their last league match against Australia on Sunday.

Rohit Sharma made 56 and Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 57, the pair sharing a 100-run stand for the second wicket after Shikhar Dhawan had been dismissed for one in the third over.

Australia, who lost to the West Indies earlier on Friday, are virtually out of the race after two defeats. Barring any major upsets in the last two round of matches, Pakistan and the West Indies will battle for the second semi-final spot from the group.

Dhawan was bowled early on by Al Amin Hossain before Sharma and Kohli put on their match-winning stand. Sharma was caught at point off Mashrafe Mortaza in the 16th over when 26 runs were needed for a win, but skipper MS Dhoni sealed the win with a six off Ziaur Rahman in the 19th over.

Mishra was again the key man, with three wickets, but Ashwin was the one who got the early wickets. He produced two wickets in his first two overs while giving away just three runs. Shikhar Dhawan gave Tamim Iqbal an early reprieve as he failed to run him out with both batsmen left stranded. Bhuvneshwar Kumar chipped in early with Shakib Al Hasan’s wicket to make it 21 for 3.

Anamul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim steadied the hosts with a 46-run partnership. However, the fourth wicket fell in the eleventh over with Bangladesh still on 67.

Anamul was impressive for his 44 off 43 balls, and Mahmudullah tried hard with an unbeaten 33 off 23. However, Mishra came back for his final to end the fight. The 20th over began at 131 for 5, but two deliveries later—including a trademark stumping—Bangladesh failed to finsh strong.