India’s veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin lauded the team’s aggressive batting approach against Bangladesh in the Super 8 stage of the T20I showpiece at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua on Saturday.
India posted a par score of 196 runs on the board after they were put into bat by Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli gave a solid start to the team, adding 39 runs off just 22 balls as they set up the template.
Rohit scored 23 runs off 11 balls before he was dismissed by Shakib Al Hasan. Virat Kohli scored 37 off 28 balls whereas Rishabh Pant continued to bat aggressively as he added 36 off 24 balls.
Shivam Dube scored 34 runs off 24 balls while Hardik Pandya scored a match-winning knock of 50 runs off 27 balls. Ergo, all the Indian batters scored their runs at a strike rate of more than 130.
Ravichandran Ashwin urged the Indian batters to keep batting in a similar fashion to get positive results.
He wrote on X, “We are not used to an approach where batsmen throw it away after making 30’s 20’s, but it is about time we embrace an approach like this especially while batting first. 👌👌👌 Top Intent from all the Indian batters so far👏👏#INDvBAN #T20WorldCup”
Meanwhile, former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer also concurred with Ashwin and feels it is prudent to bat in an aggressive manner.
Jaffer wrote on X, “Refreshing to see the intent from the Indian batters today. Every batter in the top 6 hit at least a six and ensured there was no drop in run rate even after wkts fell. Top inns and finish from @hardikpandya7👏🏻 #INDvBAN #T20WC.”
With this win, India has almost confirmed their semifinal qualification. India will next take on Australia at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia on Monday.
