Skipper Rohit Sharma performed when it mattered the most as India outclassed Bangladesh by 17 runs to cruise to the final of the Nidahas T20 tri-series.
It was Rohit's 89 off 61 balls that took India to a competitive 176 for three in 20 overs and then young Washington Sundar (3/22 in 4 overs) blew away the top-order to help restrict the 'Tigers' to 159 for six in 20 overs.
Bangladesh's inconsistency once again proved to be their bane as they found a target of 177 too hot to handle, having chased 215 in their previous encounter.
Liton Das danced down the track as Washington fired a widish delivery, which he completely missed for Dinesh Karthik to complete an easy stumping.
Soumya Sarkar (1) tried a slog over deep mid-wicket and missed the line completely as Washington angled one into him.
The ever dangerous Tamim Iqbal (27 off 19 balls) started on a promising note, hitting three boundaries and a six off a Shardul Thakur over.
Teenager Washington's flatter trajectory paid him rich dividends as Iqbal was bowled trying to scoop another angular delivery over short fine leg. The left-hander failed to get elevation as it clipped the leg-bail.
Skipper Mahmudullah (11) was guilty of squandering a half-tracker when he pulled one from Yuzvendra Chahal (1/21 in 4 overs) straight into deep mid-wicket fielder KL Rahul's hands.
The 26 dot balls bowled by the spinner (13 each by Washington and Chahal) proved to be decisive in the end.
Even though Mushfiqur Rahim (72 no off 55 balls) fought well with some big shots, the match as a contest was over when Shardul (1/37 in 4 overs) managed to castle Sabbir Rahaman (27) after 65-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Shardul could be credited for making a good comeback in his last three overs executing knuckle ball with considerable success.
