Young Indian team completes the series win in Bangladesh - India’s three One Day match tour of Bangladesh was regarded much of a series to test the bench strength before the announcement of the team for
world cup 2015. A young team under the captaincy of Suresh Raina was selected for the tour while the veteran players like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja were given rest after the
Indian Premier League. The team touring Bangladesh saw the comeback of Robin Uthappa to the squad. The team also saw the inclusion of middle young middle order batsman Manoj Tiwary and Cheteshwar Pujara. Gaining from the form shown in IPL Wriddhiman Saha and Stuart Binny too gained a berth in the team.
All the three matches of the series were played in the Sher-e-Bangla stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka. In the first match the home team after batting first scored 272 runs. With Mushfiqur Rahim being the top scorer for the home side as he scored 59 runs. The renowned all-rounder Shakib-Al-Hassan too contributed with the bat as he scored 52 runs. While the Indian bowlers went away for some runs in the first match it was Umesh Yadav the right arm fast bowler for team India who managed to take 3 wickets in the innings. The Indians started off well as openers provided a 99 run stand. Robin Uthappa returned to the squad in style scoring a brilliant 50. As India reached the 100 runs mark rain interrupted the proceedings. As the game resumed the over for the match were reduced to 25 and the target was reduced to 150. India won the game comfortably as the skipper and Rahane made sure that India successfully crosses the line.
The second match of the series was much of a drama. It was yet again affected by the rain in the first innings as Bangladesh opted to field first. They took great advantage of the conditions as the debutant Taskin Ahmed took 5 wickets bowling India out to a score of 105. The home side was sure of a comeback in the series. But the home side didn’t get a good start as the first two wickets fell too early. It was Rahim and debutant Mithun Ali who tried to save the day but they failed in front of the bowling storm of Stuart Binny. The Indian medium pacer recorded best bowling figures in an ODI by any Indian as he took 6 wickets giving away only 4 runs. Bangladesh collapsed from 44/3 to 58 all out. India with this win won the series and the third ODI was just a formality.
The third match yet again was a low scoring affair as India struggled to score runs and was at 119/9. Shakib was in full form as he struck thrice. But yet again rain played a deciding factor as the match was called off due to rain thus the young Indian squad won the series 2-0. The rain played an important role in the series and was a deciding factor in all the matches. The highest run getter in the series was Mushfiqur Rahim and the highest wicket taker was the debutant Taskin Ahmed. The player of the series award was awarded to Stuart Binny.