Fine half centuries from Robin Uthappa and Ajinkya Rahane guided India to a comprehensive seven-wicket win (Duckworth-Lewis) over Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium here Sunday to help the reigning World Champions take a 1-0 lead in the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series.

Chasing a stiff target of 273, India were cruising at 100/1 in 16.4 overs when the skies opened up. Post the rain delay, the visitors were set a target of 150 from 26 overs which they achieved with seven balls to spare. India are playing this tournament without top stars like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and Virat Kohli among others.

Playing his first ODI in six years, Uthappa (50) slammed his sixth half century on his return to the national fold. The exciting right hander, who found his way back in to team after finishing as the highest scorer of the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL), hammered three boundaries and sixes each in his 44-ball knock.

He was well supported by Rahane (64) and the duo gave India the start they needed with a 99-run opening wicket partnership. But soon after Uthappa was found leg before wicket, it started raining heavily.

After play resumed, India required 50 runs from 9.2 overs.

Cheteshwar Pujara immediately got out for a duck but man of the match Rahane continued his knock before getting out with India only 15 runs away from the target. Ambati Rayudu (16 not out) and captain Suresh Raina (15 not out) finished things off for India.

Earlier after electing to bat, the hosts put up a competitive total despite a slow start with good performances coming from the middle-order.

Bangladesh suffered an early blow with opener Tamim Iqbal perished for a duck after playing 11 deliveries. Mominul Haque (6) also followed soon but other opener Anamul Haque (44) and captain Mushfiqur Rahim (59) forged a partnership to steady their ship.

After the two got out, with the score at 134/4, all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan (52) and Mahmudullah (41) joined hands to take Bangladesh past the 200-run mark and also upped the run rate.

Lower down the order Nasir Hossain (22), Mashrafe Mortaza (18) and Abdur Razzak (16 not out) kept the momentum going with a few lusty blows to take them to 272/9.

Indian pacer Umesh Yadav was the pick of the bowlers, clinching 3/48 while leg spinner Amit Mishra took 2/55. Debutant spinners Parvez Rasool (2/60) and Akshar Patel (1/59) together scalped three wickets.

Brief scores: Bangladesh 272/9 in 50 overs (Mushfiqur Rahim 59, Shakib Al Hasan 52, Anamul Haque 44; Umesh Yadav 3/48, Amit Mishra 2/55, Parvez Rasool 2/60) lost to India 153/3 in 24.5 overs (D/L) (Ajinkya Rahane 64, Robin Uthappa 50, Ambati Rayudu 16 not out; Shakid Al Hasan 2/27, Mashrafe Mortaza 1/25).

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cricket> News / by IANS / June 15th, 2014