Bangladesh put together their best show on Saturday, June 28, but it turned out that even their best was not enough for toppling rival team India. The Bangladesh all rounder Alok Kapali scored an astounding century, but perhaps he will always think of it in future with a trace of sadness as it failed to lead his team to victory. It was majorly Suresh Raina (116) and Gautam Gambhir (90) who shattered all hopes of the Bangladeshi team. During the Saturday match of the ongoing Asia Cup at Karachi, these left-handed players joined hands to bag for India another whooping seven-wicket victory.

With the falling of Robin Uthappa (2), the opening for India was however unsteady as it had to pursue a challenging 283. Uthappa was included in the playing XI after an upbeat India, following their fierce overthrowing of their rivals in the first round, decided to rest in-form Virender Sehwag, Piyush Chawla and Praveen Kumar for this match. The fall of Rohit Sharma next did give the Indian team some momentary cause for anxiety but thereafter, it was mostly a smooth ride for India. This was when Suresh Raina took charge along with Gambhir and guided the side home without any fuss.

Infact the spunky Gambir had already begun the attack much prior Raina joined him. Though Gambir profited from a dropped catch at 56, he dashed his way through a smashing 90. The century that was there for the taking slipped from his grasp when his flick off Mashrafe found Reza. It was Suresh Raina who continued with the onslaught and went on to earn his century from 93 balls. This one was his second century in three matches.

Bangladesh: 283 for 6 in 50 overs.

India: 284 for 3 in 43.2 overs.

Man of the Match: Suresh Raina