New Delhi
Mushfiqur Rahim and captain Mahmudullah took Bangladesh towards a comfortable win. Photo: AFP
Bangladesh´s stunning first-ever Twenty20 win over India brought back smiles to a team left in turmoil by weeks of scandal, according to man of the match Mushfiqur Rahim.
The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman scored an unbeaten 60 on Sunday to anchor Bangladesh´s chase of 149 in pollution-hit New Delhi. Skipper Mahmudullah Riyad hit the winning six in the final over to give Bangladesh their first T20 win over India in nine attempts and a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The Bangladesh players danced in the Delhi smog, having eased what Mushfiqur called the “toughest” weeks of his career following a two-year ban on star player and captain Shakib Al Hasan for failing to disclose corrupt approaches. The past month also saw a player revolt against the Bangladesh board over pay.
Read more: Mushfiqur leads Bangladesh to first T20 win over India in pollution-hit Delhi “In my 15 years, these last two or three weeks were the toughest that I have faced,” Mushfiqur said after the seven-wicket win. “Before I left Bangladesh, I said the only thing that can put us on the right track is if we can win a couple of matches or play really well. “So this brings smiles and calmness in our team and the whole nation. That´s what we have done and we will try continue this form.” Bangladesh were also without Tamim Iqbal.—Agencies
