India's second string outfit made for pleasant viewing in opening one-dayer against Bangladesh as Ajinkya Rahane and Robin Uthappa see team through to victory by seven wickets
Returning to the Indian team after six years, opener Robin Uthappa (right) struck 50 and put on 99 for the first wicket with Ajinkya Rahane (64) as India cruised to a seven-wicket win yesterday. Pic/PTI
Good start
India must thank the openers Ajinkya Rahane and Robin Uthappa for a good, fluent start (99 for the opening wicket).
Returning to the Indian team after six years, opener Robin Uthappa (right) struck 50 and put on 99 for the first wicket with Ajinkya Rahane (64) as India cruised to a seven-wicket win yesterday. Pic/PTI
ADVERTISEMENT
Fluent Robin
Uthappa, who was the star of Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, belied the fact that he was playing his first ODI in nearly six years. But then daily toilers always reap the rewards. The Bangalore man deserved his success in the IPL and he deserved his half century yesterday as well – his 11th successive scores of 40 in competitive cricket.
Rahane in top gear
Rahane showed that even the best have to overcome a scratchy start. He took no time in getting into top gear and underlined what an asset he is for India in all formats. He thrived on the flick shot.
Pujara unlucky
Cheteshwar Pujara is a stranger to ODI cricket, but for a batsman of his calibre he ought to have played Shakib Al Hasan's differently after being beaten in the previous one. He has two ducks in three ODI innings and he has not gone beyond 13. However, it appeared he got a poor decision (lbw to Shakib Al Hasan)
Well adjusted
The rain would have caused some challenges but Ambati Rayudu and Suresh Raina stuck with their natural game despite the freshness in the track.
Pace worry
Mohit Sharma hobbling in his fourth over was not a good sign. Ditto Umesh Yadav pulling up in the Dhaka heat. Hopefully they will be in peak condition for the next game.
Spin does it
Parvez Rasool didn't come a cropper on debut. He wasn't bogged down when the batsmen looked to attacked him. His two wickets yesterday will be the most memorable of his career. And Amit Mishra proved that he doesn't have to turn it big to have opposition batsmen in sixes and sevens. The deliveries that sent back Mahmudullah and Nasir Hossain were splendid.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
