Shahid Afridi
Shahid Afridi (Image Credits: Twitter)

India narrowly defeated Bangladesh by five runs in their Group 2 Super 12 encounter on Wednesday, moving one step closer to claiming a spot in the T20 World Cup semifinal. 

Bangladesh made a strong start in their 185-run chase in the rain-delayed match with opener Litton Das scoring a half-century in just 21 balls. However, a rain delay slowed down Bangladesh’s progress, and they lost several wickets in quick succession while chasing the revised target of 181 runs from 16 overs, finishing on 145/6. 

Bangladesh had reached 66/0 in 7 overs when play was stopped by rain, 17 runs more than the DLS par score of 49/0. Had the game not continued, Bangladesh would have won. That, however, was not to be. 

Ravichandran Ashwin, India vs Bangladesh (PC-Getty Images)
Ravichandran Ashwin (PC-Getty Images)

Pakistani Reporter Claims ICC Doing All Possible To Ensure Bangladesh Lose Against India

A few events that happened throughout the game caused some controversy. Shakib Al Hasan first voiced his unhappiness as the umpire gave the ball away after striker Virat Kohli made a gesture. And later, when Kohli faked a throw while fielding, Bangladesh wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan objected and called former India to captain out for “fake fielding.” 

With the victory, India moved to the top of the standings with six points, ahead of South Africa with five, and Bangladesh with four. Ideally, six points would be required to go to the last four, but with a few games left, nothing is guaranteed at this point.

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The outcome also made Pakistan’s chances of making the semifinals even less likely. After the game, a reporter on a Pakistani TV channel said that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is doing all possible to ensure that “India reach the final” in reference to the match restarting after the rain delay. 

Virat Kohli (PC-Getty Images)
Virat Kohli (PC-Getty Images)

Shakib Al Hasan bhi yehi keh rahe thhe. Aur woh screen par bhi dikhaya gaya. Aap ne ground dekhi… geeli thi.

Par mujhe lagta hai ki ICC ka jhukaav jo hai, woh zara India ko kisi tareeke se semifinal pohuchaane ke liye kar raha hai (Shakib Al Hasan said the same thing and it was shown on the screen as well. You saw the ground and how wet it was. But I feel that the ICC is somewhat inclined toward India. They want to ensure that India reach the semifinals at any cost).

“Aur umpires bhi wohi thhe jo Pakistan ke match mein the. Puuri duniya ke behtereen umpire ka award bhi unko jaana chahiye. And the umpires were also the same who officiated India vs Pakistan game. The world knows they will get the best umpire awards),” he said live on SAMAA TV . 

Shahid Afridi Rejects The Idea Of India Being Supported By ICC

A commentator on the program, Shahid Afridi responded to the assertion by praising Litton. Before being run out, he smashed 60 off just 27 balls. Bangladesh lost its way after his removal, as their next six wickets fell for 40 runs.

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Afridi, however, only had positive things to say about Litton and in response to the journalist’s comments regarding “ICC’s inclination towards India.” 

Liton Das. PC- Getty
Liton Das. PC- Getty

“I know what happened. Given the amount of rain that happened, the game resumed immediately after the break. It is very evident that ICC, then India playing, then the pressure that comes with it, there are many factors involved but Litton’s batting was amazing.

“He played positive cricket. After six overs, we felt that if Bangladesh didn’t lose wickets for another 2-3 overs, they would have won the match. Overall, the fight shown by Bangladesh was brilliant,” Afridi pointed out. 

Also Read:IND vs BAN: Virat Kohli Gets Accused Of ‘Fake Fielding’ By Bangladesh During Tight T20 World Cup Game