The lingering tension of the decade-long big-stage rivalry will make for an intriguing subplot as unbeaten India take on faltering Bangladesh, both teams desperately hoping for their batting stars to perform in the Super Eights clash. from the T20 World Cup here and there.
The overall head-to-head record is overwhelming for India, but Bangladesh have been known to be plucky and Rohit Sharma and his men will be wary.
The two South Asian neighbors have also been locked in some off-field drama in the past month with Bangladesh often citing misgivings with India’s financial strength in sports.
But with the World Cup still to come, there is no doubt that India is a formidable cricketing power to be a serious title contender.
The Men in Blue produced a professional performance against Afghanistan in their opening Super Eights match.
With only a day of travel separating the two remaining games, they will be hoping that the players, who have not performed as well as expected, deliver the goods.
Top of the list will be the opening pair of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom have started but have yet to convert into clear knocks. They have made a conscious effort to force the pace but it has ended with minimal returns.
Another member of the team under less pressure is left-armer Shivam Dube, who was picked in the World Cup squad for hitting sixes in the middle and over.
However, the IPL form that helped him clinch a place in the World Cup has deserted him and he is yet to come to the party.
The South made an unbeaten 31 against USA in the group league match, but it was Suryakumar Yadav’s effort that made the difference.
Another failure could force the team management to consider Sanju Samson in the middle order.
The biggest positive in the batting department in the Afghanistan game was Hardik Pandya’s cameo. The all-rounder is known for his brutal hitting and it showed on Thursday.
On the bowling front, India are expected to retain their combination after giving away the first chance of the tournament to tricky left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
Wickets in the Caribbean have provided enough help to the spinners, causing India to play three at the Kensington Oval.
That combination will continue here with Kuldeep staying at the expense of Mohammed Siraj.
“Playing three left-arm spinners, I feel there is an advantage. There are three left-arm spinners out of which we have two finger spinners and one wrist spinner,” said Axar Patel after the Afghanistan game.
“The combination of the three of us is very good. We have a good team. We communicate well. Like anyone who comes to bowl first, we communicate what works and what doesn’t. unit,” he added.
India’s sole objective in the Caribbean is to win the trophy and a solid performance against Bangladesh would be another step forward in that context. A tougher battle awaits Australia on June 24.
Bangladesh, who have struggled with their batting throughout the tournament, find themselves in a must-win situation after their loss to Australia.
The lack of power-hitters is hurting them and there is no quick fix to the problem. Poor performances from openers Litton Das and Tanzid Khan also added to Bangladesh’s woes.
“It’s very important for the top order to run like it did, it’s a big boost, I hope the bowlers will keep going. Looking for a good show against India in the next match,” Bangladesh captain Najmul Shanto said after the match. loss to Australia here and there.
Shanto (41) and Towhid Hridoy (40) did well, but the rest of the line-up was not enough.
They must find a way to tackle Bumrah, who has been sensational so far, taking eight wickets at an unparalleled economic rate of 3.46 runs per over.
Pacers, led by Mustafizur Rahman, have done well but leg-spinner Rishad Hossain needs more support in the spin department.
Squad: ====== Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman, Jaker Ali , Tanvir Islam, Shoriful Islam, Soumya Sarkar.
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj.
The match starts at 8pm IST.
