India overwhelmed Bangladesh to take their place in Saturday’s final where they will face Pakistan at the Kia Oval. Obviously, the organisers were hoping England would be one of the finalists but and India v Pakistan final will be a fantastic event with an exceptionally noisy and partisan crowd.

India won the toss and, as has happened so often in this competition, decided to ask Bangladesh to bat first. Bangladesh started well and were looking for a score well in excess of 300 when they were 154 for 2 after 27 overs. I feel a bit like a stuck record here but, once again, the team batting first completely lost their way and subsided to a disappointing 264.

On a good, true pitch India never looked in danger against a willing but fairly toothless attack and cruised to an extremely easy 9 wicket win with Rohit and Kohli batting masterfully in their partnership of 178.

The final has the potential of being a mouthwatering clash between the best batting team in India and the best bowling attack in Pakistan. Let’s hope both teams bring their A game to what is going to be a packed Kia Oval. Further good news is that the weather looks absolutely set fair. My thoughts on the final will be posted on Friday evening.