DHAKA, 27 December 2004 — Bangladesh recorded one of the biggest upsets in One-Day International history yesterday, beating India by 15 runs in the second match of a three-game series.
The hosts, who had won just five times in 99 previous one-dayers, were restricted to 229 for nine after opting to bat first, but completed a shock victory when they dismissed India for 214 in 47.5 overs.
Bangladesh bowled and fielded with resolve to keep India under pressure, and leveled the series at 1-1 going into Monday’s final match in Dhaka in front of a sellout home crowd.
India won the series opener by 11 runs in Chittagong.
Sridharan Sriram top-scored for India with 57, putting on 63 runs for the fourth wicket with Mohammad Kaif (49) to revive the innings after early setbacks. Rajin Saleh, who was outstanding in the field, ran out Kaif with a direct hit in the 41st over as India slipped to 170 for seven.
Although Joginder Sharma, with a 22-ball 29 not out, and Zaheer Khan (10) raised India’s hopes with a ninth-wicket stand of 32, Bangladesh removed the last two wickets to end a run of 15 consecutive losses to Test teams.
Teenager Aftab Ahmed top-scored with 67 in a mature knock for the home team while tail-ender Mashrafe Mortaza contributed a brisk 31 to guide Bangladesh to their modest total.
It was Bangladesh’s maiden victory at home.
