Bangladesh’s journey so far in the Super 10 phase of the 2016 World Twenty20 has been a devastating one. Rocked by fitness issues and the suspensions of strike bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Arafat Sunny, the Tigers found it hard to cope with the pressure in the middle.
They have lost the first two games and when they take on hosts India today at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Tigers will hope to win it because anything else will bring an end to their story here with a game to spare.
The last time these two teams met was earlier this month in the final of the Asia Cup T20 in Dhaka where India lifted the trophy humbling hosts Bangladesh in a rain-curtailed match.
Mathematically, Bangladesh still have the option of matching their ambition of playing the semi-finals of the flagship event but in reality, given the calibre of the opponents, the job will be tough. First job for Bangladesh will be to stop misfiring.
Good news is the Bangladesh batsmen have been among runs and despite some struggles, they have been able to put up modest totals on the board. Missing the in-form opening batsman Tamim Iqbal due to illness has been a big blow for the Tigers. The left-handed batsman, who is suffering from fever and a troubled stomach, missed the game against Australia. According to team sources, chances of Tamim playing the India game today is slim. But even if there is a possible chance of selecting him in the eleven, Bangladesh will do it without hesitation.
The other senior batters like Shakib al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmdullah had made an impact in the last game and it will be expected they will do the same today.
Mahmudullah top-scored against the Aussies with an unbeaten 29-ball 49, so India would do well not to under-estimate the batting strength of the Tigers.
Missing out fast bowler Taskin and spinner Sunny have made the Tigers suffer but the positive is the return of pace sensation Mustafizur Rahman. The left-arm pacer was probably not hundred percent fit when he returned to action in the Australia game but had put up a decent show with two scalps, conceding 30 runs in four overs. Left-arm spinner Shakib had bagged three and should be an inspiration with the ball, despite the wicket favouring the batters.
