Rohit, Bumrah help India reach World Cup semis, eliminate Bangladesh
BIRMINGHAM, England (Reuters) - India sailed into the Cricket World Cup semi-finals and eliminated opponents Bangladesh after Rohit Sharma’s century and Jasprit Bumrah’s four-wicket haul secured a 28-run victory over their neighbours on Tuesday.
Rohit smashed his fourth century of this year’s tournament and featured in a massive 180-run opening partnership with KL Rahul to help India to a commanding 314-9.
Shakib Al Hasan struck a defiant 66 but the lack of partnerships hurt Bangladesh, who were all out for 286 in 48 overs with Bumrah (4-55) sealing the victory by claiming two wickets with the final two deliveries.
India are now second with 13 points, one behind leaders Australia, and play Sri Lanka in their final group match on Saturday.
Earlier, Rohit combined with Rahul (77) for the highest opening partnership at this year’s tournament to give India a strong foundation after they elected to bat.
Things could have been vastly different though had Tamim Iqbal not spilled Rohit, then on nine, at midwicket off Mustafizur Rahman who went on to return 5-59.
Rohit capitalised on the reprieve to smash a 92-ball century, equalling Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara’s record of four hundreds in a single World Cup.
The opener clobbered five of the seven sixes in the Indian innings, besides seven fours, and overtook Australian David Warner as the leading scorer at this tournament.
Soumya Sarkar ended the ominous-looking partnership in the 30th over when Rohit mistimed his drive.
Rahul joined him in the pavilion after bringing up his second half-century of this tournament.