The stage is set for another intriguing encounter in the Nidahas Trophy as the strong Indian unit and the resurgent Bangladeshi team collide with each other at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. India will want to continue their unbeaten streak against Bangladesh in the T20Is while Bangladesh will be looking to avenge their previous loss.

The Indian team has defeated both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the competition so far. In absence of the senior Indian players, the youngsters have made most of their chances and have delivered the goods for the nation.

The match-winning performances from Vijay Shankar, Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar will ease the worries of the head coach Ravi Shastri. Dhawan’s excellent form, timely cameos from Suresh Raina and Dinesh Karthik, and the finishing abilities of Manish Pandey will lift India’s mood.

Also Read: India’s bench strength shines in Nidahas Trophy

Slightly worrying part though is Rohit Sharma’s form. The tour of South Africa tested him on and off the pitch as he was severely criticised for his non-performance. The ghosts still seem to be haunting him as he has only scored 28 runs in his three outings in the series.

India went into the series primarily to win but testing of the bench-strength was also on the agenda. Deepak Hooda, Mohammad Siraj and Axar Patel are yet to feature in the playing eleven with potentially two matches remaining.

The importance of the record 215-run chase against Sri Lanka was evident from the way Bangladesh celebrated the win. Mushfiqur Rahim played out of his skin that night and his 72(35) with five fours and four sixes will be remembered in Bangladesh for a long time to come.

Another high-point for Bangladesh in the winning effort was the sparkling start given by their first-time opener Liton Das. Playing as a specialist batsman, the former wicket-keeper looked at ease in front of the stumps. His 43(19) set the platform for Rahim to do his celebratory dance.

Also Read: Mahmudullah said that they want to create a Bangladesh brand in T20 cricket

The skill that Bangladesh needs a serious improvement in is their bowling. The fact that they first conceded 214 runs against Sri Lanka cannot be overlooked. For taking down India, they must have all their limbs functioning at their best.

Pitch and Weather conditions

The rain is never far from the Sri Lankan Island. Last two days have witnessed constant rain causing the teams to practise indoor. Tonight’s match is also likely to be curtailed due to the intermittent showers. 

Team News

With rain around, India will hesitate to include another spinner in the ranks, so Deepak Hooda and Axar Patel are likely to continue on the bench. KL Rahul looked confident before getting out hit-wicket in the last dig, he shall retain his place.

Taskin Ahmed has given away 68 runs in his six overs so far, Bangladesh will have to mend their bowling attack if they are harboring the intent to defeat India. Abu Jayed or Ariful Haque may replace Taskin.

Probable XI:

Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah (c), Ariful Haque, Sabbir Rehman, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nazmul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubail Hossain

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, KL Rahul, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Vijay Shankar, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jaydev Unadkat, Shardul Thakur.

Trivia:

• Bangladesh is yet to defeat Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India in the T20 Internationals.
• Suresh Raina with his 27 runs innings in the last match has overtaken MS Dhoni to become 3rd highest run-getter for India in T20Is.