You cannot take lightly a cricket match between India and Bangladesh nowadays. Bangladesh has defeated every other test playing nations more than once, have won series after series and have produced some world class players.
So, when Bangladesh and India meet tonight at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, you cannot dare predicting an easy win for either side.
In the world T20I rankings Bangladesh is behind Afghanistan and they lost their first match against India on this tournament, and they were under pressure even before the tournament, still they have the capability to come back in any time.
If Bangladesh beat table-toppers India tonight, it will be in strong contention for the tri-series final.
Now the Tigers labeled their cricket as ‘Bangladesh brand of T20 cricket’. Time will say what it is.
Bangladesh skipper Mahmudullah told reporters in Colombo,
"I think the skills are there. We need to be smart to take that calculated risk,"
“We want to play a Bangladeshi brand of cricket and there is a lot of room for improvement and we are working on it.”
Lack of power hitters will bother Bangladesh team.
Bangladesh has struggled to find consistency in the shortest format of the sport, having lost nine of their last 11 T20Is.
India lost their first T20I against Sri Lanka in the Nidahas Trophy T20I tri-series. They went on to defeat Bangladesh by 6 wickets and after that they defeated the hosts Sri Lanka by 6 wickets on Monday.
Supporters were concerned whether the Tigers have the ability to recover from their recent series of disappointments. However, they proved themselves and made record to chase 215 run against Sri Lanka, the team along with the supporters regained their confidence.
It seems the team batting second is favoured on the batting friendly Premadasa pitch, therefore toss is very important.
Players to Watch
Mushfiqur Rahim
Wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim played a crucial role to steer Bangladesh in a record run chase of 215 to win against Sri Lanka. He has duly been adjudged the Player of the Match. Bangladesh Cricket Board President Nazmul Hassan was unaware of the fact that Mushfiqur Rahim could hit sixes. Tonight is a big opportunity to prove his capability again.
Shardul Thakur
Thakur proved effective with his knuckle delivery. He has ability to hit back and stick to his plans even after receiving a beating.
Liton Das
Against India on Thursday 8 March, Liton Das was the highest scorer for Bangladesh.
Condolences to the victims of the US-Bangla plane crash
Bangladeshi players will wear black armbands in homage to the departed souls of the US-Bangla plane crash.
The Bangladesh captain also gave condolences to the victims.
“We were devastated when we first heard the news of the crash. The entire Bangladesh team is mourning the deaths of everyone who was onboard. We hope that God gives courage and patience to those who lost family members and relatives,” he said.
The Bangladesh National Team, currently in Colombo, Sri Lanka for the Nidahas Trophy Tri-nation T20 tournament, will wear black armbands as a mark of respect to the victims of the crash during Wednesday’s match against India at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
