Asia Cup 2018: Super Four, Match 1 - India vs Bangladesh - Preview

India and Bangladesh will cut ribbons for the Super Four stage as both will lock horns in the first match of the second round of the Asia Cup 2018. Men in Blue had won both their group matches. Rohit Sharma-led side had to sweat blood to come good against Hong Kong whereas it was a cakewalk against Pakistan. On the other hand, Bangladesh won their match against Sri Lanka convincingly, however, could not crack the code against Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh will be playing back to back matches. Thus, there would be some tiring legs in their dressing room. The team management was guile in resting Mushfiqur Rahim and Mustafizur Rahman, who both are going to hold the key against India. However, Bangladesh will definitely miss the services of their talisman opener, Tamim Iqbal.

India will like to take the first right step in Super Four.

On the other hand, India was able to tick the right boxes in the second group match against Pakistan. Therefore, that performance must have added a shot in the arm to the Indian side. They were majestic in their bowling display as they were able to bundle out Pakistan for a paltry 162 runs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was seen at his best after a long time and it is a positive sign for Rohit Sharma.

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Meanwhile, the Indian captain scored a fine fifty which would have helped him as well. Shikhar Dhawan gets runs whenever he encounters the white ball. Furthermore, Ambati Rayudu has looked solid whereas Dinesh Karthik was able to spend the much-needed time in the middle against Pakistan. Thus, India is unlikely to alter with their playing XI. However, the omission of KL Rahul has been a bit harsh on the batsman.

Rahul was expected to bat at number three, however, he is still searching for his first opportunity in the Asia Cup. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya had suffered a serious acute back injury in the last match. Consequently, India can get Ravindra Jadeja in his place who is in good form with both bat and ball. Furthermore, Jadeja can make most of the spin conditions in Dubai.

On the other hand, Bangladesh will look to put a much better performance than they did against Afghanistan. They had the match under their grasp in the first forty overs but Rashid Khan took it away from them in the last ten. Therefore, the Tigers will like to put a better collective effort.

Bangladesh will get back the services of Mustafizur Rahman and Mushfiqur Rahim which is going to add more stability. These two players will be fresh and they will hold the key.

Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal have been good in this tourney thus far. However, they would like to contribute more in the wickets column. The pair had scalped a solitary wicket in the previous match and would like to deliver a better performance.

Kedar Jadhav has been a big positive for India. The part-time spinner is slowly but surely filling in the shoes of an all-rounder. Jadhav is not letting the batsmen off the hook. Furthermore, he is coming up with wickets, which is the key. He had taken three wickets against Pakistan, which created a massive difference. Hence, Jadhav will look to continue with his good work.

India holds its wood on Bangladesh in the Asia Cup encounters. Men in Blue have won nine matches whereas Bangladesh has won a solitary contest. Interestingly, the team batting second has won the match on all occasions.

Thus, India will like to continue their domination over Bangladesh. However, Rohit Sharma will know that it is not going to be easy as Bangladesh can land their counter-punch on target.

Date and Time: 21 September 2018, 5:00 PM IST.

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

Pitch Conditions: The pitches have been on the slower side. Therefore, the spinners will once again come into action in the middle overs. Assistance for the pacers will depend on the grass left by the curator.

Weather Conditions: There is going to be no respite for the players as the temperature will continue to touch 40 Degree Celsius. Hence, it is going to be another hot day at the office.

India’s Predicted Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah.

Bangladesh Predicted Playing XI: Nazmul Hossain, Litton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman.

Form guide:

India WWLLW
Bangladesh LWLWL

Stats: Mustafizur Rahman has scalped 13 wickets in the four matches he has played against India. Therefore, Indian batsmen will like to be cautious against him. Rahman has the best of 6-43 against India.

Rohit Sharma has scored two hundreds and one fifty against Bangladesh in the last five ODIs against them.