Cricket-Ojha leads India to victory over Bangladesh

By Richard Sydenham

NOTTINGHAM, England, June 6 (Reuters) - India's Pragyan Ojha claimed four wickets on his Twenty20 international debut to bowl the holders to a 25-run win over Bangladesh in their opening World Cup group A game on Saturday.

The left-arm spinner, yet to play a test, took 4 for 21 from his four overs and ended an early victory charge from Bangladesh, who managed 155 for eight in reply to India's 180 for five at Trent Bridge.

Bangladesh were 74 for two after eight overs and managing a run rate of more than nine runs per over. Ojha then spoiled their chances of an upset, gradually steering India towards a comfortable victory.

Ojha had Shakib Al Hasan caught from his first delivery after the batsman top-edged a drive to wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Opener and top scorer Junaid Siddique (41 from 22 balls) followed four deliveries later, caught at deep midwicket.

Mahmudullah, caught by a diving Yuvraj Singh, and Mashrafe Mortaza (bowled) capped off a fine opening match for Ojha, who had been part of the winning Deccan Chargers side in last month's Indian Premier League final.

Opener Gautam Gambhir top scored for India with 50 from 46, but it was Yuvraj Singh's 41 from 18 balls -- including four sixes -- that really took the game away from Bangladesh.

(Editing by Ken Ferris To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)