Washington allows me to breathe easy: Rohit

Colombo March 14 (IANS) India skipper Rohit Sharma heaped praises on teenaged off-spinner Washington Sundar for starring with the ball during the 17-run win over Bangladesh at the R.Premadasa Stadium here on Wednesday.

The off-spinner returned 3/22 to break the backbone of the Bangladeshi line-up helping India defend 176/3 and qualify for the final of the Nidahas T20 tri-series also involving Sri Lanka.

"Washington s spell up front was magical. It s not easy for a spinner to bowl with the new ball so hats off to him " Rohit who was adjudged the man-of-the-match for his blistering 61-ball 89 said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

"Washington has been courageous to take the ball from me not afraid to flight the ball and he s very clear on what he wants to execute. That allows me to breathe easy.

"When a bowler knows what field to set that talks a lot about that individual. He bowled well against Sri Lanka as well. The rest of the bowlers executed their plans perfectly too at the back end " he added.

Commenting on his own innings which was long due considering his slump in Sri Lanka Rohit said: "The pitch wasn t the usual wicket and the ball was gripping. It wasn t easy to hit on the up as well so I decided to take some time getting set."

"I knew the new batsmen would find it tough. (Suresh) Raina s been in terrific form too so hope he does well in the final too " he added.

--IANS
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