India vs Bangladesh, a growing rivalry from recent past. WC 2015, T20WC 2016, Nidahas trophy and recent Asia cup 2018. Bangladesh showed character, and so becoming a tough team to beat.
The encounter of India and Bangladesh in the world cup, it’s 2-1, a maiden victory of Bangladesh against India in world cup, which was the first encounter between them, is still considered the one of the major upset of world cup 2007, but in both the following world cup, India had upper hand, though the performance of Bangladesh was improved. In this world cup, Bangladesh looks the stronger team compared to the previous world cup, and India should not take the light or even underdog.
Weather, as usual, looks cloudy in Birmingham, so pacers might have an advantage, but again spinner may also have the support of second half of English summer. Edgbaston is a ground for the chasing, but never successfully chased down the target over 280, and in the world cup, over 250. So, toss winner should have confidence on his team to choose, whether to bat first or to bowl first. As per the observation of the world cup, looks team will bat first after winning the toss.
India will surely miss V. Shankar of his medium pace bowling, but the injury is not in anyone’s hand. Replacement, M. Agarwal could be asked to ready for debut, as KL Rahul is also missed so many opportunities in the tournament. India may not go for many changes. India might go with both the spinners one more time.
Bangladesh can open with L. Das or S. Sarkar, but my understanding is the team will go according to the condition, if Bangladesh will bat first or chasing in high score, they will send S. Sarkar to open, but in other cases, may send L. Das, but it’s good for them to have some flexibility. Bangladesh might go with the unchanged team.
India 11: M. Agarwal, RG Sharma, V. Kohli, R. Pant, MS Dhoni, K. Jadhav, H. Pandya, K. Yadav, M. Shami, Y. Chahal, J. Bumrah.
Bangladesh 11: T. Iqbal, S. Sarkar, SA Hasan, M. Rahim, L. Das, Mahmudullah, M. Hossain, M. Miraz, M. Saifuddin, M. Mortaza, M. Rahman.
