India and Bangladesh are all set to face off this Thursday at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup.
India’s performance in the World Cup has been strong so far, winning all their matches. Their opening match saw wins backed by Rahul’s 97 and Kohli’s 85 runs against Australia. Against Afghanistan, despite them putting up a good total, India sailed through, with Sharma’s vital century and Kohli’s contribution. In their match against arch-rivals Pakistan, they easily chased the target set by Pakistan, thanks to Sharma and Iyer’s half-centuries.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, began their World Cup journey with a victory against Afghanistan, due to the splendid bowling from Shakib and Mehidy. However, despite some good performances from players like Litton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim, they lost to both England and New Zealand.
Head-to-Head:
India and Bangladesh have met 40 times, with India winning 31 matches and Bangladesh 8. In matches played in India, Bangladesh is yet to secure a victory. However, a recent win against India in the Asia Cup might boost their confidence.
Key Players:
Rohit Sharma (India): After a rocky start, Sharma has been in top form in the World Cup, even setting the record for the most World Cup centuries, surpassing greats like Tendulkar and Ponting.
Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh): Rahim has been a shining light for Bangladesh, producing solid performances when his team needed them most.
Probable Lineups:
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah.
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mehidy Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.
Prediction:
With the World Cup heating up after Afghanistan’s win over England, any team could surprise. But given India’s form and home advantage, they seem poised to continue their winning streak.
