Bangladesh Champions hold their nerve to beat favourites India in WCL
Bangladesh Champions claimed their first win at the World Championship of Legends, edging tournament favourites India Champions by three runs in Sharjah.
Enamul Haque Jr’s four wickets set the platform, and Abu Jayed Rahi’s boundary-free spell held firm as a late surge threatened.
Yuvraj Singh won the toss at Sharjah Cricket Stadium and chose to bowl. Bangladesh raced to 30 in the first two overs, but Imrul Kayes fell for 10 from six balls on the first delivery of the third, and wickets began to tumble.
Rony Talukdar provided the early fireworks, striking 40 from 25 balls with four fours and two sixes.
Fazle Rabbi, Jahurul Islam and captain Mahmudullah Riyad could not back him up, and the scoring rate dropped sharply once he was out.
Nasir Hossain and Arafat Sunny then repaired the innings. Nasir, back in national colours after a long absence, made a composed 24 from 21 balls with two fours before Piyush Chawla removed him, though the platform for a competitive total was already laid.
Arafat Sunny supplied the finishing touches with 37 from 38 balls as Bangladesh closed on 141 for eight from their 20 overs.
Chawla took three wickets for India, while Pawan Negi and Rishi Dhawan claimed two apiece, but the total still looked modest.
India’s chase started disastrously. Ambati Rayudu fell with only four on the board, Stuart Binny and captain Yuvraj Singh followed before 30, and Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan were gone before 55, leaving Bangladesh firmly in control of the contest.
Rishi Dhawan briefly revived India’s hopes with 24 from 18 balls, but Enamul Haque Jr struck a crucial blow to swing the contest back Bangladesh’s way.
Irfan Pathan’s slow 24 from 41 deliveries only added to the pressure on India.
Pawan Negi and Piyush Chawla then launched a late assault in the slog overs, threatening to steal the game.
Abu Jayed Rahi held his nerve at the death, bowling a disciplined spell without conceding a single boundary and keeping India out of reach.
Bangladesh Champions held on to win by three runs, with Mahmudullah Riyad’s side finally opening their account at the tournament.