OTD in 2011, Virender Sehwag set India’s World Cup campaign in motion with a scorching assault on Bangladesh’s bowlers, ensuring that the upset suffered in 2007 would not be repeated in this tournament.
His unbeaten 175 off 140 balls marked his highest ODI score and the finest performance by an Indian against Bangladesh, propelling India to a formidable total of 370 for 4, a target beyond Bangladesh’s grasp from the outset.
Sehwag launched his onslaught with a powerful back-foot drive, dispatching the first ball of the World Cup to the cover boundary and immediately silencing the boisterous Mirpur crowd. He continued dominating, ending the first with another boundary off Shafiul Islam.
By the fifth over, India had raced to 36, prompting Bangladesh’s captain Shakib Al Hasan to introduce premier spinner Abdur Razzak into the attack.
Though initially cramped for room by Razzak’s deliveries, Sehwag quickly regained his rhythm and never looked back. He showcased his aggressive intent by lofting Razzak for the tournament’s first six, bringing up his half-century in just 45 balls.
Teaming up with Gautam Gambhir, Sehwag built crucial partnerships, accelerating further during the batting Powerplay in the 35th over. Despite falling in the 48th over, Sehwag’s innings nearly matched Kapil Dev’s legendary 175 against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup, underscoring his commitment to anchoring India’s innings with an explosive display of batting prowess.
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