Captain Virat Kohli was mighty pleased after India's resounding win against Bangladesh in their second warm-up game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. A supremely assertive India on Tuesday humiliated Bangladesh by 240 runs and geared up for the mega tournament in an emphatic fashion, sounding a warning for arch-rivals Pakistan. The defending champions made short work of their sub-continental neighbour, bowling them out for 84 in 23.5 overs at the Oval after piling up a commanding 324/7.
Kohli said an all-win record in warm-up games was the ideal preparation ahead of the marquee clash against Pakistan on June 4. Earlier, India defeated New Zealand by 45 runs (D/L method) in the first warm-up game.
"Very pleased. We got what we wanted in both the games. Last game as well, the bowlers did a fantastic job. As soon as the cloud cover comes in, it becomes increasingly difficult for the batsmen. Not taking anything from our bowlers. But it gets very difficult," Kohli said after the match.
It was an all-round performance with some solid batting backed up by hostile opening spell from Umesh Yadav (3/16 in 5 overs) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/13 in 5 overs). Among the batsmen, Dinesh Karthik made a strong case for a middle-order slot with a stylish 94 off 77 balls.
Shikhar Dhawan (60) got runs under his belt against a quality Bangladesh attack comprising Mustafizur Rahaman (1/53), Rubel Hossain (3/50) and Taskin Ahmed (0/45). Hardik Pandya showed his utility as an all-rounder with an equally impactful unbeaten 80 off 54 balls, which was laced with six boundaries and four huge sixes in the arc between mid-wicket and long-on.
Kohli also hinted at the possibility of including Karthik in the playing XI when India lock horns with Pakistan.
"We back Kedhar and Hardik to do it for us down the order. Hardik was outstanding. Jadeja also played with composure. Dinesh is an outstanding player. We just wanted to give him an extended run. Fielding has been good, catching has been good. All bases are covered. We have ticked all the boxes going into the tournament," he said.
