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<\/p>\nVirat Kohli bats as India chase down 257 to win<\/p>\n
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Virat Kohli gave another demonstration of his ability to anchor successful run chases in Thursday\u2019s World Cup match against Bangladesh, and a 48th one-day international hundred was the icing on the cake for the 34-year-old.<\/p>\n
A victory target of 257 on an excellent batting track was never likely to test India\u2019s formidable line-up against Bangladesh\u2019s modest bowling attack.<\/p>\n
An 88-run opening stand between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill set the tone for India\u2019s chase and the familiar sight of Kohli staying put to seal victory sent the capacity crowd at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium into raptures.<\/p>\n
Kohli refused singles more than once before smashing a six to bring up his century and secure India\u2019s fourth consecutive victory in the tournament.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted to make a big contribution,\u201d player-of-the-match Kohli, glistening with sweat, said after scoring his third 50-plus score of the tournament in four innings.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve had a few fifties in World Cups and haven\u2019t converted them so I just wanted to finish the game off this time around and hang around to the end, which is what I\u2019ve done over the years for the team.\u201d<\/p>\n
Only compatriot Sachin Tendulkar (49) has more ODI hundreds than Kohli, who could not have asked for an easier start to his innings of 103 not out.<\/p>\n
Bangladesh seamer Hasan Mahmud bounced out Rohit (48) but followed up with a no-ball with Kohli on strike.<\/p>\n
Kohli smashed the resultant free-hit for four but replays confirmed Mahmud had overstepped again, which led to another free-hit that Kohli smacked for six.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was telling Shubman it was a dream start for me with two free-hits. It just calms you done and lets you get into the innings,\u201d Kohli said. \u201cThe pitch was pretty good, it allowed me to play my game and just hit the gaps.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ravindra Jadeja also stood out for India, claiming two crucial wickets and taking a stunning catch to dismiss Mushfiqur Rahim.<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry for stealing it from Jaddu,\u201d Kohli said, referring to Jadeja. \u201cThere is a great atmosphere in the changing room, we\u2019re loving each other\u2019s company, the spirit is there for everyone to see on the field.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe understand it\u2019s a long tournament and you need to create some momentum for the guys to come out and play like this.\u201d<\/p>\n