Dhoni-Kaarthik save India the blushes with five-wicket victory

Dhaka, May 10 (UNI) A disciplined unbeaten 91 from Mahendra Singh Dhoni popelled India to a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh with one over to spare in the nail-biting first one-dayer against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium here today.

Bangladesh lost but not before sending a few shivers down the spine. The hosts won the toss and, led by openers Javed Omar and Tamim Iqbal with some able support from Saqibul Hassan and Md Asraful, reached a commanding 250 from the allotted 47 overs after an early shower meant a truncated game.

Dhoni showed character and discipline as he fought a crippling cramp on his right hamstring to remain unbeaten on 91 runs off 106 balls with seven boundaries and guide India to victory.

The Ranchi lad's innings was a tremendous rearguard action as he held on to one end and kept rotating the strike. A cramp on his right leg when on 39 left him floored and it required John Gloster to come on to the field twice to keep the swashbuckler going. It also led Yuvraj to come in as his runner.

Initially, Dhoni began in his flashy cavalier manner, but after India kept losing wickets at the other end he checked his natural game to a more sedate innings.

He was joined by Kaarthik at the fall of Mongia.

And Bangladesh had the chance of finishing the game at that stage but for a run out chance wasted by them.

Dhoni, on 49 then and playing with Yuvraj Singh as his runner, called for a single after despatching the ball at point only to be backed out. Kaarthik who had gone half way was in no man's land. But Abdur Razzak, the bowler, floundered and a disaster for India was averted. This proved costly for Bangladesh.

Dhoni completed his half century, the 13th of his career, the next over off 67 deliveries with five boundaries and the duo went on to add 107 runs off 108 balls for the sixth wicket to see India through.

Kaarthik, who is fast gaining the reputation of the man for all seasons, nullified the spin with some handsome sweeping and straight bat drives down the ground.

If Dhoni's innings was one of valour and steely jawed determination, Kaarthik's was that of a wily run-getter, someone busy in between the wickets.

The fact that he has spent the major part of his career as a wicket-keeper gives him the advantage of reading the ball early and working it around.

He remained undefeated on 58 off 60 balls with his 50 coming off a lofted straight drive down the ground. He had only two boundaries in his innings.

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