Rohit Sharma’s maiden World Cup century propelled India to a 109-run victory over Bangladesh in the second World Cup quarter-final, in Melbourne.
Sharma struck 137 off 126 balls – his seventh ODI century – as the defending champions posted 302-6 off their 50 overs, Bangladesh struggling to 193 all out in 45 overs in reply.
India, who have now won 100 ODIs under MS Dhoni’s captaincy including their last 11 in World Cup cricket, will face either co-hosts Australia or Pakistan in the second semi-final in Sydney on Thursday.
Sharma set the tone by driving the first ball of the match for four after India had won the toss, going on to add 75 for the first wicket with Shikhar Dhawan (30) in 16.3 overs.
But runs proved harder to come by after Dhawan was smartly stumped off Shakib Al Hasan and Virat Kohli edged Rubel Hossain behind to make it 79-2.
India did not reach their hundred until the 26th over and only upped the run-rate after Ajinkya Rahane (19 off 37 balls) miscued Taskin Ahmed (3-69) to mid-off.
Suresh Raina and Sharma provided the much-needed acceleration in a fourth-wicket stand of 122 in 15.5 overs.
Sharma enjoyed a let off on 90 when he slapped a Hossain full toss to deep midwicket only for the delivery to be called a no-ball on the grounds of height - replays suggesting the delivery was not above the waist.
The opener went on to post his hundred off 108 balls with 10 fours and a six – reaching the landmark with a punch-drive for two through the covers.
Umpire Aleem Dar was in a heap of pain after being stung by a wasp during the quarter-final between India and Bangladesh.
Sharma slapped 25 off his last 10 balls as India threatened to run riot and it took a clinical yorker from Taskin Ahmed to end his stay, three overs from the end of innings.
But with license to play his shots, Ravindra Jadeja blasted an unbeaten 23 off 10 balls as Bangladesh conceded 97 off the last 10 overs.
No side has ever chased down 300 to win an ODI at the MCG and Bangladesh’s attempt to make history suffered a major setback when Tamim Iqbal snicked Umesh Yadav behind for a run-a-ball 25.
Calamity followed as fellow opener Imrul Kayes was run out in a horror mix-up with Soumya Sarkar - Jadeja’s athletic stop and throw doing the damage.
Once again Bangladeshi hopes rested on Mahmudullah but after centuries against England and New Zealand the 29-year-old could not repeat the dose, although it took a fine juggling catch on the boundary edge by Dhawan to remove him for 29.
After nabbing the wicket of Rohit Sharma, Taskin Ahmed was still given a rollicking by captain Mashrafe Mortaza during the quarter-final
Bangladesh continued to lose wickets at regular intervals – including that of Sarkar for 29 – as Mohammad Shami and Yadav chipped away.
Nasir Hossain (35 off 34 balls) and Sabbir Rahman (30no) delayed India’s advance with a seventh-wicket partnership of 50 off 48 balls – but as the best stand of the innings it was too little, too late.
Highlights of the match will be available on the same channel at 1pm, 4pm and 7pm with The Verdict following each show. Highlights of the match are also available in Hindi over on Zee Cinema.