Don’t take it silly, when Bangladesh meets India tonight

A few years back, a cricket match between India and Bangladesh was never considered a serious affair. But, remember, Bangladesh is not a small fish in world cricket anymore. They have 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 Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium, nobody dares predicting an easy win for either side.

Bangladeshi cricketers celebrate after the dismissal of the South Africa cricketer Rilee Rossouw in Dhaka on July 12, 2015. Source: Getty Images

More Pressure for India

India has regained its confidence with a emphatic win over Pakistan at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. But, for the home side this match is more crucial than their neighbours.

Indian cricket team poses with paytm champions Trophy during the third T20 international match between India and Sri Lanka at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA Source: Getty Images

Bangladesh has already lost both of the matches they played, and their chances of entering the knock-out round will be more a luck than match wins. They have to defeat both India and New Zealand in big margins and wait for others to make mistakes. In the present form this is highly unlikely.

However, for India, more chances are there if they win against Bangladesh tonight. India will be playing Australia in their last group match on Sunday. As a defeat today will put them in high pressure on Sunday, India will be trying hard to outplay Bangla tigers tonight.

New Zealand leads the point table in Group 2 with three wins in three matches. Pakistan, after going down to New Zealand last night, is still at number two with one win and two defeats.  India and Australia have played two matches, both winning and losing one each. Bangladesh is at the bottom of the point table after losing both of their games.

Players to Watch

Virat Kohli

After India’s win against Pakistan, every eyes are on Virat Kohli for obvious reasons. His innings against against Pakistan was one of the most solid batting performance this season has seen. His records against Bangladesh in ODI cricket is outstanding also. In 10 matches he has scored 558 run, with three centuries, at an average of 69.75. In T20s, Kohli has scored 105 from three matches.

India's Virat Kohli celebrates his team victory during World T20 2016 cricket match against Pakistan at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India, Saturday, March 19, 2016. Source: AP

Mustafizur Rahman

Bangladesh’s match against Australia has revealed the impact of Taskin Ahamed and Arafat Sunny’s suspension on the team. Bangla bowling department lost its momentum altogether. The only hope the team have in that area is the excellent comeback of pacer Mustafizur Rahman, bagging two wickets against Australia. Given his recent form and abilities, Mustafizur is capable of doing some damage to the Indian top order.

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Facts to Note

Bangladesh has never won a T20 international against India. They have played four matches yet, with India leading 4-0

This is the first time both teams play a T20 match on Indian soil.

Bangladesh has beat India once in World Cup, at Port of Spain in 2007.

Its been one year and four days after India beat Bangladesh in the last ODI World Cup quarter final. It was on 19 March, 2015, at Melbourne.

Last year also, India’s subsequent match was against Australia - in the semi final, though - after playing Bangladesh.