Cricket World Cup, Mirpur:
India 370-4 (50 overs) beat Bangladesh 283-9 (50 overs) by 87 runs
Match scorecard

Sehwag targeted Bangladesh revenge

India batting star Virender Sehwag hailed their 87-run World Cup win over Bangladesh as revenge for a surprise loss to the Tigers in 2007.

India crashed out of the tournament in the group stage four years ago after a five-run defeat in Trinidad.

But Sehwag's superb 175 ensured history was not repeated as India made a flying start to their campaign in Mirpur.

"I said this was a revenge game and we really played well," said Sehwag. "It was a good start for the team."

Sehwag angered Bangladesh in the build-up to the tournament by claiming they were not good enough to take 20 wickets against India in a Test match.

But supporters of both sides could only admire a devastating innings featuring 14 fours and five sixes propelled India to 370-4.

Bangladesh made a positive start to their run chase but lost momentum in the middle overs and finished well short of their target on 283-9.

"I have said before Bangladesh are not good in Tests. They can compete in one-dayers, but today they could not," added Sehwag.

India score too big to chase - Iqbal

He sahred a 203-run stand with Virat Kholi, who made 100 not out off 83 balls on his World Cup debut.

"Virat batted superbly and he deserved that century," said Sehwag, who batted with a runner for the latter part of his innings after aggravating a knee injury.

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni played down the victory and suggested there was room for improvement ahead of their next game against England on 27 February.

"There are a few departments where we need to improve and fielding is one of those," he said.

"But when it comes to the batting and bowling departments we did our job. Overall it was quite a good performance by the team."

Dhoni's opposite number Shakib Al Hasan said Bangladesh had been let down by the performance of their bowlers, who to a man conceded at least six runs per over.

"I think we bowled too many boundary balls and that cost us the game," said Shakib.

"Our fast bowlers didn't execute their plans. They were a bit rusty maybe and there are so many things to work on.

"We batted really well. We batted sensibly and didn't hit too may rash shots. Most of the top order played really good cricketing shots.

"The crowd have been superb and hopefully they will continue with this support."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version