Gambhir powers to an unbeaten century

Gautam Gambhir is light on his feet and heavy with his contributions. The left-hander is making all the right moves these days.

His compelling footwork, timing and balance were the highlights of an unbeaten hundred in the last league match of the Kitply tri-series cricket tournament at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur on Thursday.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men made light of a chase of 223, romping home by seven wickets in the 36th over. They will now meet Pakistan in the final here on Saturday.

Gambhir’s unbeaten 107 (101b, 13x4, 1x6) indicated his growing maturity. He played second fiddle to Virender Sehwag without being negative and launched into strokes after his senior partner’s departure.

It was crucial for the host to be consistent with the shiny, hard ball and force mistakes. Apart from Mashrafe Mortaza, the rest disappointed.

Sehwag began with a flowing cover-drive off Mortaza and then cut loose. He was provided width by Farhad Reza and promptly responded with cuts and pulls. There were also occasions when Sehwag converted the length. A yorker-length ball was eased past the bowler and the ropes.