England’s voracious victory over Australia booked the semi-final berth for Bangladesh in the ongoing Champions Trophy. But one has to say that Bangladesh have got to where they are now on merit after earlier jolting New Zealand and putting the English bowling to the sword
The Bengal Tigers would now be up against India who stunned South Africa to plunge into the semi-finals. Team India have more often than not had the upper hand over Bangladesh in most of the ICC tournaments as well as the bilateral series. Besides, Bangladesh also haven’t been bereft to wreck vengeance when it mattered.
Bangladesh have traversed from being mere fledgelings to hotshots over the years. Let’s have an extensive look at why India can’t be laid back against Bangladesh in the upcoming semi-final clash:
#1 Decent run till now
Bangladesh have had a more than a decent run in the 2017 edition of Champions Trophy hitherto. Even though England chased the total with ease in the first group fixture, the Tigers’ batters tackled the likes of Chris Woakes, Jake Ball, Mark Wood and Ben Stokes well enough in the first innings to get over the 300-run mark.
And although the team failed miserably against Australia, a meritorious victory over the Black Caps garnered the required toehold. Bangladesh have always preluded the uncertainties of this game to the next level, the testimony of which has to be kerbed by India in the penultimate step.
#2 Furnished batting line up
The evolution of batting has paved the way for Bangladesh of late. Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar have been laying the foundation of this batting line up, having been the most significant opening pair in the last 24 months. The terrific stand emanated in the flamboyant home season of 2015 as the duo defied the Indian bowlers in the bilateral home series that year.
In 36 innings played since 2015, Tamim has amassed 1,702 runs at an average of 53.18. Sabbir Rahman at number three, followed by Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah brace the line-up, if at their best.
And one doesn’t need to turn back in history too much with Mushfiqur’s knock against England and Mahmudullah’s swashbuckling knock of 102* off 107 deliveries against New Zealand which dented the plight of the Kiwi bowlers standing as testaments.
#3 Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan has served as an all-important cog in the wheel of Bangladesh cricket across formats and the team relies heavily on the all-round prowess of the maestro. Having dipped his feet in the IPL, county cricket, the Caribbean Premier League, and the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash, the star all-rounder has had a taste of playing in different conditions.
His 224-run stand with Mahmudullah not only scripted Bangladesh’s astounding victory, it became their highest ever partnership for any wicket. Shakib has always been an epitome of versatility blended with a pinch of aggression on the field. Apart from batting, his bowling ability has always provided Bangladesh with that extra edge. India ought to have a definite plan against the 30-year-old.
#4 Embellished bowling attack
Bangladesh’s bowling has been as substantial as ever during the past couple of years. The introduction of Mustafizur Rahman, the rehabilitation of Mashrafee Mortaza post-injury and Shakib’s experience inclusive of Taskin Ahmed and Rubel Hossain has to be termed as fundamental.
During India’s last tour to Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series, Mustafizur proved to be inedible for the Indian batsmen. The left arm seamer alone scalped 13 wickets in the series, thereby announcing himself on the international stage. None of the batsmen could reconcile his accuracy, especially Rohit Sharma, who became his bunny.
Mustafizur also has got a fair exposure of Indian batsmen now, having played for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL for two years.
#5 Blast from the past
India might have won their last ODI fixture against Bangladesh in 2015, the fate of the series though was against the Indians. Bangladesh clinched their maiden series title against India, having won 2-1.
Bangladesh have time and again ignited some of the greatest upsets in the ICC tournaments. Well, who can forget their startling victory over India in the 2007 World Cup opener? And it was India who granted Bangladesh their third win in the one-dayers in 2004.
Indian skipper Virat Kohli might possibly elect to chase, seeing the trend in this edition of the Champions Trophy and given the fact that Bangladeshis chased well against New Zealand.
In addition, India have overall lost a total of four ODIs to Bangladesh, three of which were lost while defending. So it would be foolhardy for Kohli and his men to take things lightly going into the semis.
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