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Art of keeping calm: Karthik acknowledges guru Dhoni after surreal finish to Nidahas final

DK puts comparisons with MSD to rest.

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Dinesh Karthik played the innings of a lifetime to guide India to victory in the final of the Nidahas Trophy against Bangladesh.

The keeper-bat has played in India colours for a decade and a half now, but it was his knock on Sunday that has earned him a permanent place in the hearts of fans. After all, a 29 off 8 in the final two overs, with a six on the last ball to win the match, is a story that doesn't unfold too often.

After the match, DK gave an insight into his preparations. "I have been practising these shots - having a strong base and then hitting from there," he said. "Happy to be where I'm and thanks to the support staff who have kept on supporting me for the last few months," he added.

 

As expected, comparisons were drawn between Karthik and Mahendra Singh Dhoni after the match on Sunday. Albeit some comments weren't in good taste, fans couldn't stop marvelling at the similarities between DK's heroics on Sunday and MSD's in the past.

Surprising, Karthik was candid in his confession that he was inspired by the legendary Indian captain. “I guess it comes from experience. That can’t be bought. You learn it over the years – it’s important to stay calm. Dhoni is a great example of that. You can see how calm he is, and you learn a lot of things from a lot of people, and one thing I’ve learned from Dhoni is how he finishes," said DK.

Karthik, who remained unbeaten at 29 on Sunday, clinched the match on the final delivery, sending a flat six over the covers. His eight ball knock included two fours and three sixes and he was adjudged Man of the Match.

 

Having won the toss, and electing to field first, the Indian team managed to restrict Bangladesh to 166 for the loss of eight wickets. Yuzvendra Chahal claimed three while Jaydev Unadkat picked up two wickets.

The Indian team looked in good touch, with opener and stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma scoring 56 off 42 deliveries. However, wickets fell in quick succession, with the total being reduced to 98 for four.

Lokesh Rahul (24), Manish Pandey (28), and Vijay Shankar (17) chipped in with significant contributions, lower down the order. Rubel Hossain picked up two wickets for Bangladesh, while Shakib Al Hasan, Nazmul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, and Soumya Sarkar grabbed one each.

Earlier, Bangladesh tumbled at the start as they lost their openers early; however, Sabbir Rahman emerged as the standout performer with a solid 77 off 50 balls, as Bangladesh managed to post 167-run target for India.

 

Washington Sundar, who was declared Man of the Series, drew the first blood as he dispatched Liton Das on 11 in the third over.  Das was followed by his partner Tamim Iqbal, who was caught out by Shardul Thakur at the long-on boundary on 15 off Yuzvendra Chahal's ball.

It was Rahman who then kept Bangladesh in the hunt by displaying a one-man show. As Rahman was struggling to help his side set a decent score, Chahal then struck twice. First, he dismissed Soumya Sarkar and then sent back Mushfiqur Rahim on 9.

Mahmudullah scored 21 while skipper Shakib Al Hasan got out on 9. Pacer Jaydev Unadkat who came in for Mohammed Siraj finally dismissed Rahman on 77 of his slow and misleading delivery. In the end, Mehidy Hasan Miraz slammed 18 runs off the final over to give Bangladesh a respectable total.

(Inputs from ANI)

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