Shikhar Dhawan and Mahendra Singh Dhoni hit half-centuries as India posted a challenging 317-6 in the third one-day international against Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Dhawan made 75 and Dhoni 69 as the visitors strove to avoid an unprecedented one-day series whitewash at the hands of their less illustrious neighbours, having lost the first two matches comprehensively.

Skipper Mashrafe Mortaza took three wickets for Bangladesh but conceded 76 runs in the process after he elected to field first at Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

Rohit Sharma gave India a positive start before left-arm paceman Mustafizur Rahman got a breakthrough.

Mustafizur, who grabbed 11 wickets in the first two matches, picked up Rohit for the third time in the series as wicketkeeper Litton Das took a regulation catch for 29.

Dhawan and Virat Kohli put on 75 for the second wicket to steady the innings before they were separated by left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan.

Kohli went for a wild slog-sweep but missed the line to be bowled for 25.

Nasir Hossain pulled off a stunning catch at short midwicket off Mortaza to dismiss Dhawan, who faced 73 balls and hit 10 fours for his second fifty of the series.

Dhoni and Ambati Rayudu did not let the momentum slip as they put on 93 for the fourth wicket.

Rayudu was unlucky to miss out on his half-century when he was given out caught behind off Mortaza for 44. Replays suggested the ball hit only his thigh pad.

Bangladesh managed to get rid of Dhoni before he became yet more dangerous when Mustafizur took a catch at deep midwicket off Mortaza.

Dhoni, who promoted himself to  number four in the order for the second time in the series, faced 77 balls for his innings that included six fours and six.

Suresh Raina added a quick-fire 38 off 21 balls before Mustafizur bowled him to take his tally to 13 in the series and finish the day with 2-57.  

Stuart Binny, one of the two changes for India in the game, was unbeaten on 17, helping India past the 300-run mark.