In pursuit of India’s 146-7, Bangladesh needed just two runs towards the end of the last of their 20 overs but a combination of poor shot selection and hesitant running saw them fall agonisingly short of the target.

Wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim had got his countryto within touching distance of a first-ever success against the home nation with two boundaries but he then hit a Hardik Pandya delivery straight to Shikhar Dhawan at mid-wicket.

Mahmudullah then got himself out in similar circumstances before Mustafizur Rahman was run out off the last ball when attempting to steal a single which would have sent the pulsating contest into a super over.

The defeat eliminates Bangladesh, who had victory in their sights until their batsmen were guilty of going for glory rather than seeing their country to an historic triumph.

“We were on top to the last three balls,” Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza.

“It's bad luck, we can't do anything about it.

"It's really disappointing for us - overall, we've played well.”

The result ensures India remain in contention in Group 2 as their win moved them into second place behind already-qualified New Zealand, who had defeated India in their opening match.

India lost wickets in clusters during their innings and,  although seven players made it to double figures, only Suresh Raina produced a notable knock as he managed 30.

Mustafizur Rahman was the pick of the Bangladeshi bowlers, taking 2-34 to help restrict India to a score they would have fancied chasing.

Opener Tamim Iqbal gave Bangladesh a decent platform in reply as he made 35 but he was seemingly bereft of support as their batsmen departed at regular intervals.

Rahim’s strikes in the final over, which found the boundary, appeared to have set them on the path to victory before the loss of three wickets in as many balls put paid to their hopes of springing a surprise.

In the other match to take place today, England recovered from a batting collapse which left them on the brink of defeat as they turned their fortunes around to earn a 15-run win over Afghanistan at the Feroz Shah Kotla Ground in New Delhi 

Much like their Bangladeshi counterparts, Eoin Morgan’s men lost three wickets in an over as they were reduced to 42-4.

They then slipped to 57-6 but Moeen Ali and David Willey’s partnership of 57 in 33 balls elevated them to a respectable 142-7 from their 20 overs.

Willey was then integral in the Afghan’s reply, removing dangerman Mohammad Shahzad in the first over.

The underdogs never really looked in danger of reaching 143 for victory, finishing on 127-9 as England earned a vital triumph in their pursuit of a last four berth in Group 1.

In the women's competition, South Africa posted 156-5 and then restricted Ireland to 89-9 to win by 67 runs at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.