Deadline: November 10, 2019 at 7 PM IST
Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur
Pitch Report
The average first and second innings scores, at Nagpur, read 149 and 126 respectively. The highest total registered here is 215 for 5 by Sri Lanka against India. Although runs have come thick and fast, spinners have had their share of fun as well. The top five wicket-takers at the venue include three spinners. Remember the tournament opener of the 2016 World T20? New Zealand spun a web around India and skittled them out for a mere 79.
Teams
Probable XI for India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Shivam Dube, Krunal Pandya, Washington Sundar, Deepak Chahar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shardul Thakur
Probable XI for Bangladesh: Liton Das, Mohammad Naim, Soumya Sarkar Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah (c), Afif Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Aminul Isla, Shafiul Isla, Mustafizur Rahman, Al-Amin Hossain
Preview
Before this series, India had never lost to Bangladesh in T20Is. Before this series, India had never locked horns with Bangladesh in a bilateral fixture. Given the fact that the Nagpur wicket is expected to assist spinners, it is going to be anyone’s game. To make matters worse, India have won only 1 of 3 matches at the venue.
India staged a remarkable comeback at Rajkot, thanks to Rohit Sharma. Barring his stunning knock of 85 off 43, there wasn’t much to cherish for. India were undisciplined with the ball. Khaleel Ahmed especially could not find his rhythm, bowling short and against the field. He has conceded 81 runs in 2 matches, managing 2 wickets. India are likely to replace him with Shardul Thakur.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, looked out of sorts when Rohit started dictating terms. Barring Aminul Islam, no bowler could figure out what to do.
In summary, both teams have played ordinary cricket. The fielding especially has been mediocre compared to modern-day cricket’s standards.
Players To Watch Out For
Rohit Sharma has been in the form of his life of late, acing in all three formats. India rarely lose when he plays a long innings.
Mushfiqur Rahim could not get going in the second match, but he will always be a vital cog in the wheel for any team he plays. His 60* in the series opener is evidence to the fact that he is a class-apart player.
Yuzvendra Chahal has been the best bowler in the series. He has taken 3 wickets, maintaining an economy of just over 6.
For Bangladesh too, it is their leg-spinner who has been the most effective. Aminul Islam has a knack of striking at crucial intervals. More importantly, he remains calm in the face of danger.
Match Prediction
India have often been at the doorstep of defeat when they bat first. They do not know when to accelerate – something we witnessed in the first match. Toss, therefore, will be crucial.
Squads
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Washington Sundar, Krunal Pandya, Shivam Dube, KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant (wk), Yuzvendra Chahal, Rahul Chahar, Deepak Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed, Shardul Thakur
Bangladesh: Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Naim, Mahmudullah (c), Afif Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Aminul Islam, Abu Hider Rony, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Arafat Sunny, Al-Amin Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Shafiul Isla, Taijul Islam
