India avoids sweep with 77-run ODI victory

India have avoided a series whitewash by securing a 77-run victory over Bangladesh in their third and final one-day international.

After the tourists rattled up 6-317 on Wednesday, India put in a disciplined bowling performance to wrap up Bangladesh’s innings for 240 in 47 overs to earn a consolation victory in their 2-1 series defeat.

Shikhar Dhawan made 75, Mahendra Singh Dhoni 69, and Ambati Rayudu added 44 to India’s total.

For Bangladesh, captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza was the most successful bowler with 3-76 while newcomer Mustafizur Rahman claimed 2-57.

The Bangladesh batsmen found the run chase a tough one under the floodlights, although Sabbir Rahman smashed a fluent 43 and Soumya Sarkar scored 40.

Suresh Raina inflicted the most damage, with his part time off-spin taking 3-45. Dhawal Kulkarni (2-34) and Ravichandran Ashwin (2-35) also chipped in as India bowled out Bangladesh for the first time in the series.

“We lost too many wickets at regular intervals today. Our batsmen got in and got out. We need to learn from these mistakes,” Mashrafe said.

“South Africa is coming next week. We need to be positive and fit.”

Earlier, half-centuries from opener Dhawan and captain Dhoni gave India’s bowlers a good total to defend.

Rohit Sharma gave the side a fluent start with a run-a-ball 29, and Virat Kohli contributed a solid 25.

Dhawan and Kohli set India on its way with a 75-run partnership, until the latter was bowled going for a sweep shot by Al Hasan.

“If we give our bowlers those extra 10-15 runs, the game is on,” Dhoni said.

“Partnerships were the key. At times on slow pitches, it looks like you are behind the target.

“We have resources in the last 10 overs to get a par-plus total.”

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