ICC World Cup 2015: 5 reasons why India need not worry about Bangladesh in the quarterfinals

India will take on Bangladesh in the second quarter-final of the 2015 World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) this Thursday. India enter the knockout stages with 6 consecutive wins under their belt and will be aiming for an easy victory against Bangladesh.Bangladesh, on the other hand, have sprung up a big surprise by reaching the quarters, courtesy of beating a team like England, and seem determined to provide the Indian team a good battle. They have nothing much to lose and will try to play on the nerves of the Indians, who are expected to win comfortably.However, here are 5 reasons why MS Dhoni’s men don’t have to worry about their match against Bangladesh:

#1 India enjoy 24-3 head-to-head advantage

Based on history, it would be safe to say that Bangladesh have nothing more than a negligible chance of overcoming the Men in Blue. Out of the 29 times that the two teams have met,after all, India have emerged triumphant on no less than 24 occasions.

Bangladesh have had success on only 3 occasions, and although one of those came during the 2007 World Cup, that was 8 years back and should have absolutely no bearing on Thursdays encounter.

India won the last ODI series that they played against Bangladesh by a margin of 2-0, even though many of the top players were rested. The team hasbeen intop form in this World Cup and shouldnt find it too difficult to demolish this Bangladeshi outfit.

#2 Virat Kohlis record against Bangladesh

Virat Kohli has scored runs at a healthy average against most teams that he’s come up against, but his record against Bangladesh, in particular, is remarkably good, having scored a colossal 506 runs at an average of 126 in 6 matches with a strike rate of 100, including 3 centuries and two half-centuries.

One of the three centuries came in the clash between the neighbours in the 2011 World Cup where India piled up a score of 370 to win the match by 87 runs.

#3 Indias strength against spin bowlers

Bangladesh have historically been over-reliant on spinners, and this strategy can be a bit risky against a team like India, who are famous for destroying spin bowlers. Especially considering the fact that the MCG pitch doesn’t support spinners, Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza will be worried as he tends to use the spinners for at least 25-30 overs.

Technically sound batsmen like Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have always found it easy to tackle spinners, irrespective of how good they might be, and the Bangladeshi spin attack won’t be an exception for them.

#4 Excellent form going into the match

India have developed a scary momentum in this World Cup courtesy of defeating Pakistan and South Africa in their opening 2 games and following it up with imposing performances against the supposedly lesser teams. 6 wins out of 6 in the group stages has put them in a commanding position ahead of the quarter-finals, and hopefully, they will be able to extend that streak to 7 following the match against Bangladesh.

The batting has seen a revival after the disappointing Carlton Mid Tri-series and the top order has put up a fine show to dominate bowling attacks on bouncy pitches. Shikhar Dhawan has scored 300+ runs with two centuries. The bowling, on the other hand, has transformed and Bangladeshi batsmen will be aware of this fact. Mohammed Shami is in second spot in the list of the leading wicket-takers list of this World Cup with 15 wickets.

Bangladesh have beaten a team like England, but India is at a different level altogether. This quarter final will be a big test of temperament for the Bangladesh players as India succeeded in creating pressure in all aspects in the group stage matches.

#5 MS Dhonis enthusiasm and growing confidence

There was a time during the recent Test series against Australia when MS Dhoni seemed totally helpless and perhaps gave up the captaincy knowing that he needed a breather from the constant scrutiny he was under. But, Dhoni seems to be almost invincible when it comes to the shorter format of the game.

As the World Cup has progressed, India have shown a ruthless approach and the fact that Dhoni’s enthusiasm is at its peak has most certainly helped. The recent match against Ireland where he could be heard through the stump mic constantly giving advice to his bowlers and fielders is a case in point.

Dhoni has the ability to understand his players’ strengths and weaknesses, and his aggressive leadership, which he has displayed in abundance so far, will make a big difference against Bangladesh.