Raipur
Win Projections to be updated soon
India’s Gain from Hardik Pandya’s Versatility
Bangladesh faces a crucial Super Eight clash against India in the T20 World Cup 2024 in Antigua. While Bangladesh has minimal time to recover from their previous loss against Australia, India faces challenges of a different kind after a convincing win against Afghanistan in Barbados, having to travel to Antigua for their next match.
Suryakumar Yadav has emerged as a key player for India with two impactful performances in the tournament. There is pressure on Shivam Dube to deliver as the spin enforcer, especially against a strong spin attack from Bangladesh.
While Bangladesh boasts a variety of bowlers, their batters have failed to provide adequate support to their bowlers so far. Facing India’s formidable bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh will be a tough challenge for Bangladesh.
The rivalry between India and Bangladesh has intensified over the years, adding an extra edge to their encounters. Every match between the two teams holds significance, fueled by passionate fans from both sides.
Saturday’s match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium promises to be another thrilling chapter in this rivalry.
Form Guide
India WWWWW (last five completed T20Is, most recent first)
Bangladesh LWWLW
Players to Watch – Jadeja and Tanzid
Ravindra Jadeja’s performance with both bat and ball will be crucial for India as he looks to make a significant impact. Tanzid Hasan will need to overcome his recent struggles with the bat to provide stability to Bangladesh’s top order.
Team News – Bangladesh Considers Soumya Sarkar
India is likely to stick with their current combination, including three spinners, while Mohammed Siraj remains on the bench.
India: 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Virat Kohli, 3 Rishabh Pant (wk), 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Shivam Dube, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Jasprit Bumrah.
Soumya Sarkar is an option for Bangladesh to address their batting concerns, especially considering Tanzid Hasan’s recent poor form.
Bangladesh: 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Litton Das (wk), 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Shakib Al Hasan, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Mahedi Hasan, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Taskin Ahmed, 10 Tanzim Hasan, 11 Mustafizur Rahman
Stats and Trivia – Key Battles to Watch
- Rohit Sharma has struggled against left-arm quicks in 2024, but has a good record against Mustafizur Rahman. Shakib Al Hasan is close to achieving milestones in T20 World Cups and T20Is. Arshdeep Singh has been a consistent performer for India in the T20 World Cup.
Pre-Match Quotes
“I don’t think anyone talks much about Bumrah’s bowling. He has an idea of what to do and what not to do.”
India allrounder Axar Patel on Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling prowess
“It is said to everyone that they should play with freedom. But they are trying to play according to their own plans. Why is it not happening? As I said earlier, I don’t know this personally. But if we play like this then it’s difficult for the bowlers to defend it.”
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto on his team’s batting struggles
Shashank Kishore is a senior sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo
