Bangladesh make only 222 despite Liton ton

Bangladesh batsman Liton Das celebrates after scoring a century (100 runs) during the final one day international (ODI) Asia Cup cricket match between Bangladesh and India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on September 28, 2018. AFP
Bangladesh batsman Liton Das celebrates after scoring a century (100 runs) during the final one day international (ODI) Asia Cup cricket match between Bangladesh and India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on September 28, 2018. AFP

Till date, he had no fifty, his highest score being the 41 he made against Afghanistan in the Super Four a few days back. But Liton Das chose to hit a century on a big occasion, doing so on Friday's Asia Cup final against defending champions India.

Yet all Bangladesh could manage was 222 as most of his fellow batsmen failed to provide him the due support.

Liton hit a fifty in just 33 balls as the trick to send Mehidy Hasan Miraz to open the innings clicked for the Tigers after India captain Rohit Sharma had opted to bowl first.

The duo made 120 in the opening partnership before Kedar Jadhav struck, with Miraz contributing 32.

Yuzvendra Chahal then trapped Imrul Kayes (2) leg before and Mushfiqur Rahim (5) gave a catch to Jasprit Bumrah one over later to hand Jadhav his second wicket of the day.

Mohammad Mithun (2) was the next to go, a misunderstanding with Liton resulting in a run out and Mahmudullah (4) also returned to the pavillion soon, getting out in a similar fashion like Mushfiq, trying to go big.

Liton kept his game, helplessly seeing the others coming and departing. His innings only came to an end due to a dubious decision, which has already become the topic of debate on social media.

MS Dhoni was lightning quick to dislodge Liton's stumps, but his feet were on the line and third umpire Rod Tucker ruled in India's favour.

Liton hit 12 fours and two sixes in his 121-run innings that was made in 117 balls. Soumya Sarkar added a vital 33 off 45 balls to take the Tigers past 200.

Soumya reached 1000 ODI runs on the day, but his average of 33.34 says the slack he gets from some of the fans is at times unfair.

For India Kuldeep Yadav was the key with three wickets while Kedar Jadhav bagged two. Bangladesh will be ruing three run outs in such a vital match.