What could have been a sensational win for Bangladesh turned into a last-ball nightmare after India's wicketkeeper-batsman - Dinesh Karthik played a blinder to spoil the party for the Tigers in Colombo on Sunday. A crestfallen Bangladesh pacer Rubel Hossain, who leaked 22 runs in the 19th over to help India claw back chasing 167 and win the final of the Nidahas Trophy Twenty20 International (T20I) tri-series, wants to be forgiven by fans.
"I am feeling terrible after the defeat. I never thought I would be the reason for Bangladesh's defeat. We were so close to winning in the final but because of me, we lost. I want to apologize to the fans and ask for forgiveness," Rubel was quoted as saying by Bangladesh's leading newspaper.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik (29 runs off eight balls) played a brilliant cameo towards the end, hitting a six off the last ball to win the final for India by four wickets.
Karthik came into bat with the scoreboard reading 133/5 at the end of 18 overs. He announced his arrival at the crease by smoking two sixes and a four off first three balls from Rubel. In the next three deliveries, Karthik accumulated six runs which left India needing 12 off the last over.
The drama further unfolded when India needed five runs in the last ball. Karthik slammed a flat six over extra cover off Soumya Sarkar to clinch the issue.
The Bangladesh captain, in the post-match press conference, backed Rubel. "To be honest he did not miss much of the plan when he bowled. I don't know if there are many batsmen who can come and hit a six off the first ball, the next for a four and then again a six," Shakib was quoted as saying by The Daily Star.
He also praised Karthik for his sensational knock, "Such batting is rare in history, it was miraculous batting. But he (Karthik) did that. Of course, Rubel was nervous after giving away 10 runs from the first two balls and that is natural. But still, I think I will back him if there is a similar situation in the future," Shakib further added.
(With IANS Inputs)
