ICC T20 World Cup 2014, India v Bangladesh, Mid-Innings Report: Mishra on Fire Once Again
India have restricted Bangladesh to 138-7 after another excellent display with the ball in Mirpur.
MS Dhoni bowlers, who conceded scores of 129-7 and 130-7 in each of their first two matches, turned in a remarkably similar performance this time, throttling the Bangladeshi batsman to the frustration of their adoring fans.
Amit Mishra was once again India's hero, but several of the hosts' batsman will feel they should have done better on a benign surface.
Tamim Iqbal, so often Bangladesh's hero, set the tone when he edged Ravi Ashwin tamely to slip, before Shamsur Rahman hoiked his first ball to deep square leg.
Shakib Al Hasan then compounded the crisis by allowing an innocuous length ball from Bhuvneshar Kumar to creep between bat and pad, when he had scored just one.
Bangladesh's start would have been even worse had Shikhar Dhawan completed a simple run-out off the second over of the innings. But Dhawan opted for a diving shy at the stumps and missed, with the batsman nowhere to be seen.
Mushfiqur Rahim threatened a recovery, but after clouting Mohammed Shami for 11 runs in an over he inexplicably tried to hit the fast bowler out of the ground, and succeeded only in slicing to Virat Kohli at mid-wicket.
Mishra then continued his wonderful form by bamboozling Anamul Haque with a beautifully disguised googly, and claimed the scalps of Nasir Hossain and Ziaur Rahman during an excellent final over.
Although Mashrafe Mortaza hit a six of the final ball to end Bangladesh's innings on a high note, Mishra's final over cost just seven runs – extremely frugal in T20 terms.
Although the leg-spinner was the stand-out performer, each member of India's attack bowled well in another thoroughly professional team performance.
Ashwin bowled with superb control at the outset, while Shami generated decent pace and forced the Bangladeshi batsmen onto the back foot.
When the host batsman did manage to break the shackles, it was generally through edges and slashes rather than controlled shots, with the Indian's metronomic line and length leaving nothing to hit.
Bangladesh did at least improve on their performance against West Indies, with a late flurry from Mohammad Mahmudullah steering them to a total which was respectable, if not daunting.
Haque had earlier batted with composure for his 44, but none of the Bangladeshi batsman was able to make a decisive total.
The home side's bowlers will have to play out of their skins to prevent India from notching a third win from three.
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