India wrapped their preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 with a thumping 95-run victory over Bangladesh in their second and final warm-up match in Cardiff on Tuesday (May 28).
KL Rahul’s stylish hundred at No. 4 and a throwback to MS Dhoni’s days of yore were the big gains for India.
Rahul (108 off 99 balls) took the attack back to the opposition after early dismissals while Dhoni’s free-spirited approach also got him a century (113 off 78 balls) as their 164-run partnership for the 5th wicket powered India to 359/7 against a Bangladesh attack that went off the boil.
Bangladesh batsmen barring Liton Das (73) and Mushfiqur Rahim (90), who added 120 runs for the third wicket, were never in the chase. They were bundled out for 264 in 49.3 overs.
Among bowlers, Kuldeep Yadav (3/47 in 10 overs) and Yuzvendra Chahal (3/55 in 10 overs) gained in much-needed confidence going into the tournament proper.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Rahul showing his class , looked so much at ease in a fine century. And Dhoni showing what he is made of, smashing hundred. The middle order in form at the right time for India. #BANvIND
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) May 28, 2019
So many questions answered by this @klrahul11 century! Must be a great feeling to enter the tournament with with a ton behind you🏏#BANvIND #CWC19Warmup
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) May 28, 2019
Is there still any argument about whether K L Rahul will get the start at No 4????? #ICCCWC2019
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) May 28, 2019
78 ball 113. Strike Rate 144. Dhoni has announced his arrival in England. At the same venue where Team India, under his captaincy, started the victorious #CT13 campaign. Good signs. ☺️🤗 #CWC19
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) May 28, 2019
A fine century by both @klrahul11 n @msdhoni sets India 🇮🇳 on course for the World Cup !! Team India has got what it takes to do really well especially handling the pressure!! 🤞!! #worldcup2019
— Mithun Manhas (@MithunManhas) May 28, 2019
MS Dhoni's fastest centuries in Indian colours have come in the warm-up games ahead of the World Cup.
62 balls vs NZ, 2011 CWC (Warm-up)
73 balls vs BAN, 2019 CWC (Warm-up)#ICCWC2019 #INDvBAN— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) May 28, 2019
KL Rahul is definitely not my favourite player for that position but he has showed the hunger desire and willingness to fight which is a great sign for Team India #INDvBAN
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) May 28, 2019
Dream warm up game for India…found their no 4 and spinners got some of their confidence back. #ICCWC2019
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) May 28, 2019
Very pleasing to see @klrahul11 showing his class at #4 for @BCCI
Think India’s top 6 is now nailed down for @cricketworldcup ?#INDvBAN #WARMUP2019— Mike Hesson (@CoachHesson) May 28, 2019
Rahul will definitely be number four. The hole in India's batting has been filled. #IndvsBan #CWC19
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) May 28, 2019
India were 88/3 after 20 overs.
Finished with 359/7 after 50 overs.
Tells you why they back their game the way they do. The challenge is to get that acceleration 271/4 in 30 overs vs better bowling sides. #CWC19 #EkCupAur
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) May 28, 2019
MS Dhoni's 100s in World Cup warm-ups…
– 108* (64b, 11f, 3s) v New Zealand at Chennai on 16 Feb 2011 (India 360/5)
– 113 (78b, 8f, 7s) v Bangladesh at Cardiff on 28 May 2019 (India 359/7)
And we all know what happened in 2011.😁#CWC19#INDvBAN— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) May 29, 2019
Breaking up #Dhoni Acceleration System !! #INDvBAN MS Dhoni
14 of 20 b
24 of 25 b
39 of 35 b
62 of 49 b
79 of 65 b
105 of 73 b
113 of 78 balls. pic.twitter.com/CQSHiod3ht— Prabhu (@Cricprabhu) May 28, 2019
One of the best of @msdhoni and @klrahul11 – will keep the India drawing room warm too #IndvsBan
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) May 28, 2019
This is the Dhoni that we have seen over the years, we wanted to see and we want to see. What timing!#INDvBAN
— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) May 28, 2019
