'Never had any fear ... it's Bangladesh, not Australia or Pakistan': Virender Sehwag on Team India's win

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Feb 21, 2025, 15:46 IST

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India chased down Bangladesh's total of 228 with 21 balls remaining in their ICC Champions Trophy opener, despite some mild concern at 144/4. Virender Sehwag dismissed Bangladesh as a serious threat, suggesting that the win could have been swifter if more wickets had been preserved. India secured victory with 21 balls remaining, thanks to a significant partnership between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, with the latter reaching his century.

'Never had any fear ... it's Bangladesh, not Australia or Pakistan': Virender Sehwag on Team India's win

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NEW DELHI: Bangladesh's total of 228 created mild concern in the Indian camp during the chase at their ICC Champions Trophy opener in Dubai on Thursday, as India were positioned at 144/4, requiring 85 runs from 20 overs. Former India opener Virender Sehwag dismissed any notion of Bangladesh posing a serious threat or defending their modest total in Dubai.
“I don’t think there would have been (any tension) among the fans. It’s Bangladesh… you guys have made me praise them so much as if they are an incredible team,” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz Live.

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“(Scared) of Bangladesh? When I was playing, I never had any fear so what would I have been scared of today in this studio,” he replied at a question of feeling tense during the chase.

“It’s Bangladesh, not Australia or Pakistan, that they would be very unpredictable. I don’t think there would have been even 1% of fear in the hearts of any fan during that match.”
India secured victory with 21 balls remaining, thanks to a significant partnership between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, with the latter reaching his century.

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Sehwag suggested that the victory could have been achieved more swiftly if wickets had been preserved.
“It was a very easy game. Got there with almost four overs to spare. Gill was composed, playing slowly. Had Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli or Shreyas Iyer stayed on the crease for longer, I could see this match getting over in 35 overs also,” he said.

Stay updated with the latest sports news and find out how to watch the ICC Champions Trophy live in Canada and the USA. Don’t miss the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan and India vs New Zealand clashes. Check the live cricket scores here.

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