Asia Cup 2018, Super 4: India vs Bangladesh: Venkatesh Prasad Urges India to Bowl First at Dubai

Former Indian fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad is of the opinion that Team India should bowl first if they went on to win the toss in their first Super four game of the Asia Cup 2018 against Bangladesh which is slated to be played in Dubai on Friday (September 21).

Prasad stated that Team India ticked almost all the boxes during their thoroughly professional performance against Pakistan which saw them thrashing their arch-rivals by eight wickets and with more than 21 overs to spare.

It was indeed a special all-round performance. The victory will keep them in good shape ahead of their Super four matches.

“Rohit Sharma’s India ticked almost all the boxes in their comprehensive win over Pakistan on Wednesday night. Rohit came to the party at the right time with his free-flowing display of batting prowess while Kedar Jadhav, returning to cricket after a long injury layoff, fitted the role of the sixth bowler perfectly,” Prasad wrote in his column for ToI.

Prasad maintained Bangladesh is a threat for any team on its day.

“In my opinion, catching was the only blemish in the otherwise dominant show by the victors. They’ll have to work off this shoddy touch before they take on Bangladesh in the Super Four contest on Friday evening. Bangladesh is a dangerous side, especially in big matches. They don’t feel pressure. Instead, they thrive in games such as this, knowing what a win can do for the sport in their country,” Prasad added.

Venkatesh Prasad hopes Mithun and Shakib will come in handy for Bangladesh in the absence of Tamim Iqbal

Prasad was hopeful of Mohammad Mithun and Shakib Al Hasan coming good n the absence of Tamim Iqbal. The absence of Tamim will surely be worrying signs for Bangladesh as he has been a champion batsman for them over the years.

The veteran left-handed batsman Iqbal fractured his left wrist and was subsequently ruled out from the rest of the tournament.

“Bangladesh will hope their injury woes, which have been plenty, won’t hurt them. Tamim Iqbal’s injury is a huge blow for them. In his absence, the likes of the seasoned Shakib al Hasan and Mohammed Mithun will have to add firepower to the batting. In these conditions, Shakib, the left-arm spinner, will be more than a handful with the ball as well,” Iqbal stated.

Venkatesh Prasad also sheds light on the weather conditions in the UAE.

“The toss will be crucial. Losing the toss against Pakistan proved to be a blessing in disguise given the weather conditions. If Rohit calls right, he should ideally insert the opposition to bat because when you bat first, the ball is not coming on to the bat and is slow off the pitch. So in conditions such as the one in Dubai, it makes sense to chase as the ball tends to come on to the bat. With the pitch being on the slower side, the Indian spinners will be a crucial factor again, and Kedar will be interesting to watch. He may well be the surprise package again,” Prasad added.

In the super four fixture of the ongoing Asia Cup 2018, India will be overwhelming favourites against Bangladesh at Dubai.