It is a must win game for India when they take on the already out of contention Bangladesh in the ICC World T20. Join The Roar for live scores from 1am (AEDT).
India after dropping their first match to New Zealand are under the pump in Group B of the Super 10 phase. While they managed to bounce back against New Zealand, it has been a real lack of positive cricket from India and their net run rate is substantially lower than those ahead of them in the group who also sit on one victory from two games.
Pakistan and Australia have net run rates of 0.254 and 0.108 respectively, while India sit daylight behind them, with negative 0.895. This leaves them with one objective and that is to not drop another game on the run into the finals as there would be no way they can rely on net run rate to get them into the finals.
Bangladesh on the other hand are already out of contention with their T20 World Cup all but over after two matches in the Super 10 phase. With losses in each of their first two matches to Pakistan and Australia and a net run rate of -1.749 it is nearly impossible for them to qualify.
The major problem in Bangladesh’s matches has been simply not being able to match up to the opposition bowling attacks. Their top order has looked fragile in both, and a gradual fall of wickets has hampered their progression in each match so far.
Their bowling, while looking strong at times, hasn’t been able to stay consistent for 20 overs and it has allowed teams to get away. Maybe more worrying though is their fielding, which was particularly bad in the game against Australia.
The batting has also been causing havoc for India. They have struggled to score enough runs, getting knocked over for 79 against New Zealand before they chased down what Pakistan had to offer in just 16 overs, but never completely looked comfortable until Virat Kohli arrived at the crease.
India must use this match to build a bit of confidence in their batting, and to try and rescue some of their net run rate situation.
Prediction
India on home soil are going to be absolutely desperate to take the win here, and they shouldn’t have too many problems although Bangladesh will put up a good fight.
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