The second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy is all set for a classic showdown at Birmingham as the reigning champions, India takes on Bangladesh in this humongous encounter.
One of the most improved teams in the world cricket, Bangladesh have shown an immense amount of promise and grit to reach the semi-finals of the major ICC event. The young turks, Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in their last group stage match against New Zealand which enabled them to progress to the final four stage of the tournament.
The Indian team, on the other hand, is back to winning ways after a clinical performance in all the three departments against the mighty South African unit. With a spot in the finals of this prestigious tournament at stake and a chance to win the coveted trophy, there is plenty at stake for both the sides.
With the help of Tarot Cards, here are my predictions for this massive game:
#6 Rohit Sharma will continue his fine form with the bat
Rohit Sharma has been in tremendous form with the bat throughout the 2017 edition of the Champions Trophy. The 30-year-old is expected to play a pivotal role at the top of the order in this epic encounter.
The Wheel of Fortune Card for the stylish batsman predicts that he will be a vital cog in the Indian batting unit for this clash. He will be riding his luck through the innings but will ensure that he forms a strong foundation in the early overs which will benefit the team for a late onslaught.
#5 Virat Kohli fails to fire
This is not a happy news for Virat Kohli fans all around the world as the skipper of the Indian team is expected to not trouble the scorers a lot in this much-awaited encounter. The Nine of Swords Card indicate that Kohli will be dismissed under 30 runs which will be a huge blow for the Indian team.
The 28-year-old is currently enduring a dream run on the international circuit and has taken his team through the finishing line on numerous occasions. His wicket in the early stage of the game will dent the batting unit and the middle order will be under a lot of pressure to bail the side out which will result in slow down the run rate of the team during the middle overs.
#4 Rejuvenated Umesh Yadav
The playing XI of the Indian team for this semi-final match is expected to have one change with Umesh Yadav being drafted into the team. Although the modern day captains do not wish to tinker with the winning combination, we might be surprised with the inclusion of Yadav at the toss.
After being left out for the crucial encounter against the Proteas, Yadav will be rejuvenated and rearing to go in this match. The Death Card indicates that the Vidharbha Express will be at his best with the ball for the Indian team and be gunning to cement his place in the lineup.
#3 The captaincy and the performance of Mortaza will let the Tigers down
The Hermit Reverse Card indicates that Mashrafe Mortaza will fail to lead his side to an uncanny victory against the formidable Indian team. The skipper has not been able to perform at his best in the tournament thus far and today is expected to be different as he will struggle against the quality Indian batting unit.
The 33-year-old will fail to inspire his team with his leadership qualities which will result in the downfall of the Bangladesh unit. Although Mortaza has been one of the most prolific performers for the Tigers in the past couple of years, his performance in this iconic tournament has been a weak link for his side.
#2 Shakib Al Hasan will fail to create his last match heroics
After a match winning hundred against the Kiwis in the last match, a lot will be expected from Shakib Al Hasan in this pressure match. The hero of the last game will fail to weave his magic in this crucial encounter which will leave his team and the fans disappointed.
The Justice Reverse Card explains to us that the Indian team will nullify all the threat posed by Shakib with the bat and the ball. His insipid all-around performance in this match will crush the hope of the Tigers of making it to the finals of the ICC tournament.
#1 The outcome of the match
Although there are predictions of clear sky in Birmingham, the King of Cups Card predicts that we might endure a rain interruption in this semi-final clash.
After reviewing a combination of spreads and their detailed analyses, the Indian team will sail through to the finals of the Champions Trophy. The nerves of playing in the semi-finals of the ICC event will get the better of the Bangladesh outfit as they will not able to perform at their optimum potential. The pressure of the semi-finals will be a touch difficult to handle for the Tigers which will, in turn, make it easy for the defending champions.
Anant Haranhalli is a Tarot expert and strategy consultant. The predictions documented are based on his readings and interpretations for the said match.
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