Asia Cup 2016 Final, India vs Bangladesh: Player Ratings

The Bangladeshi crowd had a disappointing day altogether as first the rain gods delayed the final thereby cutting short the match by 5 overs before a strong Indian side silenced any hopes they might have had of making their first Asia Cup final appearance one to savour.

The MS Dhoni-led side proved their strong credentials in the T20 format with a commanding nine-wicket victory that had the mark of true champions written all over.

Though Mahmudullah’s late fireworks ensured that the hosts had a total to fight for, the partnership between Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli ensured that it was all plain sailing for India who continued their impressive streak of victories in the shortest format of the game.

Here are the players ratings from the final:

India

Rohit Sharma 2/10

Rohit Sharma had been the saviour against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup opener for India but today was an off-day as the Indian opener looked out of sorts. He survived a close leg-before-wicket appeal but was dismissed the very next ball.

Shikhar Dhawan – 8/10

Looked in silky smooth touch as he played confidently throughout his innings of and along with Kohli, ensured that the early dismissal of Rohit Sharma didn’t have a profound impact on the Indian run-chase.

Virat Kohli – 8/10

The Indian vice-captain has been in tremendous touch throughout the tournament and today was no different as he once again led an Indian run-chase with utmost confidence. He also had a good day in the field accounting for Mushfiqur Rahim with a brilliant throw from the deep mid-wicket boundary.

Suresh Raina – NA

With the match shortened by 5 overs, skipper MS Dhoni didn’t take the risk of employing Raina with the ball in spite of the likes of Pandya and Nehra being a bit expensive. Didn’t get a chance with the bat either to hand any meaningful points.

Yuvraj Singh – NA

Another useful all-rounder who remained a mere spectator in today’s match as his services were not called upon either with the ball or bat.

MS Dhoni – 7/10

Finished off the match in typical style with a six. He smashed 20 runs in just six balls thus settling any nerves that might have crept in after the loss of Dhawan’s wicket. Won the most important toss as well and handled his bowlers in a planned manner.

Hardik Pandya 4/10

After all the brilliant performances leading up to the final, today’s outing looked like an anti-climax for the young all-rounder. He seemed to be overawed by the occasion as he strayed in line and length often and fell prey to the batsmen, especially Mahmudullah.

Ravindra Jadeja 6/10

Was a bit expensive with the ball, but made a good comeback overall having conceded 12 runs off his first over. He picked up the wicket of the Bangladesh skipper while also making his usual contributions in the field.

Ravichandran Ashwin 8/10

Brought all his experience into play for the big match today as he bowled with guile to keep the runs in check while he also picked up the key wicket of Shakib al Hasan who was looking dangerous.

Jasprit Bumrah 8/10

The youngster continues to impress with every passing match and today was no different as he gave away just 13 runs in his quota of 3 overs and also picked up the wicket of the experienced Tamim Iqbal. Proved his death-overs credentials yet again conceding only seven runs in the final over – a superb feat considering the fact that 35 runs were scored off the previous two overs.

Ashish Nehra 5/10

The veteran left-armer had a day to forget as he gave away runs at more than ten an over. He did, however, get the early breakthrough for India with the dismissal of Soumya Sarkar.

Bangladesh

Tamim Iqbal 5/10

Flown into the tournament after Mustafizur Rahman was ruled out due to injury, Tamim Iqbal couldn’t provide the start Bangladeshi fans would have hoped for from their star batsman. He survived a run-out chase after the ball missed the stumps but was trapped plumb in front of the wickets by Jasprit Bumrah for 13.

Soumya Sarkar – 5/10

Looked in fine touch smashing three delightful boundaries but got carried away by the cheers from the crowd as he slashed hard at a length ball by Ashish Nehra only to be outfoxed by the extra bounce and ending up slicing a catch to the mid-off fielder.

Sabbir Rahman – 7/10

Played the sheet anchor role perfectly holding the Bangladeshi innings together and thus allowing the likes of Mahmudullah to flourish later. Though he might have been a little more aggressive himself, it was an important role played by the youngster for his side.

Shakib al Hasan – 6/10

The all-rounder has had a tournament to forget and though there were signs that things could change today, he perished after having got a good start. He attempted to take on Ravichandran Ashwin with a premeditated sweep and paid the price gifting an easy catch to the close-in fielder for 21.

Mushfiqur Rahim – 3/10

Came in late on and attempted to get as many runs as possible but was dismissed run out after taking on the arm of Virat Kohli. Though the wicketkeeper-batsman had covered the distance, his bat, unfortunately, popped up and Dhoni whipped the bails after a near-perfect throw from the deep mid-wicket boundary.

Mushrafe Mortaza – 5/10

Was dismissed for a golden duck by Ravindra Jadeja after promoting himself ahead of the likes of Mahmudullah and Nasir Hossain and couldn’t provide any breakthroughs with the ball either. Handled his bowlers well enough to put up a good fight.

Mahmudullah – 9/10

The undoubted star for Bangladesh with the bat as he provided the much-needed impetus to the total with a few meaty blows. He remained unbeaten on 33 off 13 balls, a knock which included two boundaries and as many sixes as he took the Indian bowlers to the cleaners in the slog overs.

Nasir Hossain – 7/10

Didn’t get a chance with the bat but bowled brilliantly to contain the Indians from chasing down the total at a much earlier stage. Had his figures spoiled by the late onslaught of Dhoni.

Abu Hider – 3/10

Had a bad outing in the final as his solitary over went for 15 runs. The captain didn’t have the confidence to return to him at a later stage either as he remained a mere spectator for the rest of the match.

Taskin Ahmed – 7/10

Bowled economically but with the absence of Mustafizur, Bangladesh was looking for more wickets from the youngsters but unfortunately, they weren’t forthcoming.

Al-Amin Hossain – 6/10

Got the early breakthrough dismissing an in-form Rohit Sharma but ended up conceding 30 runs which were critical considering the state of the match.