Bangladesh posted an upset five-wicket victory over India in the Asia Cup one-day tournament in Dhaka on Friday, despite Sachin Tendulkar’s 100th international century. Bangladesh achieved the stiff 290-run target with four balls to spare in the day-night match to keep alive their hopes of reaching the final.
Tamim Iqbal (70), Nasir Hossain (54), Jahurul Islam (53), Shakib Al Hasan (49) and skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (46 not out) were Bangladesh’s batting stars, while Indian paceman Praveen Kumar took three wickets. Pakistan have two wins in as many matches, while India and Bangladesh have one victory each after two games. Sri Lanka have lost both of their matches.
Earlier, Tendulkar hammered a long-awaited 100th international century to lift India to 289-5. The memorable moment came in the 44th over when he turned left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan to square-leg for a single to become the first batsman to score a century of centuries. The celebrations, however, were subdued as the master batsman removed his helmet, raised his bat and looked at the sky, before being congratulated by non-striker Suresh Raina and Bangladeshi fielders. Tendulkar, who turns 39 next month, already holds four major batting records — maximum runs and centuries in both Tests and one-day internationals. Timing and placement marked Tendulkar’s 147-ball gem, studded with one six and 12 fours. He put on 148 for the second wicket with Virat Kohli (66) and 86 for the third with Raina (51). He was dismissed in the 47th over, caught behind while attempting to drive paceman Mashrafe Mortaza and returned to the pavilion to a standing ovation from some 20,000 fans at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium.
