Rohit Sharma, Ashish Nehra power India to win

Rohit Sharma made a fabulous half-century as India notched up a 45-run win in the opening match of the Asia Cup against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Wednesday.

India overcame a shaky start to post 166/6 as Rohit hit 83 off 55 balls after Bangladesh, opting to bowl on a rain-soaked pitch, made good use of the conditions at a packed Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

India then stifled the home batsmen — Sabbir Rahman being the only standout performer with a 32-ball 44 — and restricted them to 121/7 in 20 overs. Veteran pacer Ashish Nehra led the rout with 3/23 from his quota of four overs, while Jasprit Bumrah and R. Ashwin were economical.

Earlier, Al Amin Hossain bowled Shikhar Dhawan for two before skipper Mortaza got rid of in-form Virat Kohli to provide the initial jolt.

Sharma and Yuvraj Singh steadied the innings with a 55-run fourth wicket partnership before Hardik Pandya (31 off 18 balls) provided the much-needed impetus.