World Cup 2019: Can India seal semi-final spot against Bangladesh?

Tags: Cricket World Cup 2019, Bangladesh Vs India,40th Match at Birmingham,Jul 02, 2019, India, Bangladesh

Published on: Jul 01, 2019

Scorecard | Commentary | Graphs

Although the loss to England was India's first in the ongoing World Cup, there were enough indications in the run-up to the game that India was about to slip.

Although the loss to England was India's first in the ongoing World Cup, there were enough indications in the run-up to the game that India was about to slip. And, that's exactly what happened as England exposed India's middle-order. India will be keen to get back on track against Bangladesh. The latter, on the other hand, are in a tough situation and need to win both their remaining games to qualify.

Considering the manner of the defeat, India is bound to make a few changes. Kedar Jadhav, who did not get many balls to face, but struggled in the few that he did, is most likely to make way for Ravindra Jadeja. While Jadhav got a fifty against Afghanistan, his failures in the last two games are likely to cost him a place in the side, particularly as he is not contributing with the ball as well.

Yuzvendra Chahal is another player who will most likely make way for Bhuvneshwar Kumar, after being taken for 88 runs in his 10 overs, the most by an Indian bowler in the World Cup. With the batting already struggling, India cannot afford the bowling to go downhill as well. Jasprit Bumrah has been brilliant and while Mohammad Shami did pick up a five-wicket haul he was expensive against England. The comeback of Kumar will strengthen the attack. Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav too will need to lift his game as the knock-outs approach

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Above all, India will need to sort out their batting woes. While Rohit Sharma has been spectacular and skipper Virat Kohli consistent, most of the others have been rather poor, barring Hardik Pandya, who has given his very best in every game with the bat. MS Dhoni has delivered a mixed bag with his efforts. It remains to be seen whether Lokesh Rahul gets another chance to prove his worth.

Bangladesh has played well above their potential in this World Cup. Shakib Al Hasan has almost single-handedly won some games for the team. So far, he has managed 476 runs and 10 wickets and has been proved his versatility in a brilliant manner. Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, and Mahmudullah have also got among the runs. More would, however, be expected of Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar.

The one big worry for Bangladesh would be the form of their skipper Mashrafe Mortaza. The captain has only managed one scalp in six games. The only reason he has managed to retain his place in the team is that he has the backing of the team management and is an inspirational leader. Mustafizur Rahman bowled well against Afghanistan and will be keen to maintain his impressive run against India.

Squads

India: Virat Kohli (capt), Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, Rohit Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav.

Bangladesh: Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Abu Jayed, Liton Das, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Mithun, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mosaddek Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Tamim Iqbal.

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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