India vs Bangladesh: 1st T20I – Match Prediction

Amidst the off-field controversies and Delhi pollution, India and Bangladesh will lock horns in the opening game of the three-match T20I seers at the Arun Jaitely Stadium on November 3. Both the teams will be without their regular captains, albeit for different reasons.

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Indian skipper Virat Kohli has been rested for the T20I series. On the other hand, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan is serving a one-year ban and will be eligible to make his comeback in October next year. Rohit Sharma and Mahmudullah will lead India and Bangladesh, respectively.

Home side India is undoubtedly the favourite to win the series but Bangladesh can spring a surprise on occasions. It will be a tough task for them to upset Men in Blue but India have never been complacent, regardless of the opposition.

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The two teams have faced each other eight T20Is and Bangladesh are yet to win a single game against Men in Blue. They did come close to defeating India during T20 World Cup 2016 but India snatched a win from the jaws of Bangladesh.

In fact, the last time two teams faced each other Bangladesh had their chances as India needed five runs on the final delivery in the final of Nidahas Trophy but Dinesh Karthik smashed a six to lead India to a famous victory. A 3-0 win for India in the series should not come as a surprise at all.

Date and Venue: India vs Bangladesh 2019, November 3 (Sunday), at 7:00 PM at the Arun Jaitely Stadium in Delhi.

Match Prediction –

The pitch in Delhi should assist pacers at the start. Deepak Chahar, who generally finishes his spell early, will enjoy bowling on the track and can pouch early wickets for India. Later in the innings, spinners can do the job for the home side.

In the batting department, Rohit Sharma will enjoy the track and will also look to go beyond Virat Kohli’s T20I batting record.

All in all, India are favourites to win the opening T20I by a big margin. In Shakib’s absence, Bangladesh not just lack a star player who can perform in both departments but also an experienced campaigner who can guide the team. They will also miss out on the services of Tamim Iqbal.