Mehedi blitz guides Bangladesh to thrilling win over India

Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz became the thorn in India's path as the right-handed batter scored an unbeaten 38 off 39 balls to safeguard Bangladesh to a thrilling one-wicket win over India in the first ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday.

In pursuit of India's 186, Bangladesh, following a 48-run partnership between skipper Liton Das and Shakib Al Hasan, failed to grab hold of the momentum as veterans Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad scored 18 off 45 and 14 off 35 balls respectively to slow Bangladesh down. Both batters batted at a strike-rate of 40 but failed to capitalise on their starts, leaving the Tigers at a precarious 128-6 after 35 overs.

Left-handed batter Afif Hossain went for only six and tailenders Ebadot Hossain and Hasan Mahmud both were dismissed for naught with only Miraz left to save the Tigers. And that he did as the right-handed batter hit four fours and two sixes during his unbeaten knock. He also stitched a 51-run stand for the last wicket with Mustafizur Rahman to almost singlehandedly guide Bangladesh to victory.

A vigilant Mustafizur gave Miraz able support and contributed 10 runs off 11 balls.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh bundled out India for a low total after sending them to bat first.