For the second semi-final in the Champions Trophy between India and Bangladesh, there are a lot of factors that need to be taken into account to see who will win. The winners will face Pakistan in an all-subcontinent final on Sunday.
Between India and Bangladesh, there is a difference in class but the gap isn’t very far either. India has the edge obviously but a good Bangladesh team with their superb pace battery can be the cause of concern for India who will look to capitalize and attack right from the onset. We take a closer look:
India
India have been in stellar form and despite the blip against the Sri Lankans, they were able to post a comprehensive win against a formidable South African side. The win gives the Indians a much needed boost before the knockout rounds and it will be interesting to see the players that Virat Kohli decides to play tomorrow.
After bringing in Ashwin for Umesh Yadav in the game against SA, India were able to make the early breakthrough. It will remain to be seen whether India continues playing Ashwin or get Yadav back into the game. Hardik Pandya is a certain starter while Kedar Jadhav just might make the squad and bolster the lower middle order batting lineup.
The top order have been firing on all cylinders in the past few games and there will be no change for the first five batting positions. Rohit, Dhawan, Kohli, Yuvraj and Dhoni will be all starting and will look to attack the Bangladeshi bowling at any given opportunity.
India needs to prevent falling into the trap of getting complacent and will have to come out and put in a professional performance against the Tigers to advance to the final. They do have the advantage of a stronger side however.
Bangladesh
The Bangla Tigers have surprised all by making it to the semis and will be looking to make it to their first major final in an ICC tournament. The Bangladeshis have been in some good form and their top order has been good. Tamim Iqbal has come to the fore this tournament and cracked a century against England in the group stage. The middle order is very strong and Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur and Shakib Al-Hasan all have the talent to play out of their skins.
It is the bowling that will trouble India. The pace battery is extremely strong and being led by the veteran Mashrafe Mortaza; can cause severe damage. Mustafizur can swing the ball in the windy English conditions and cause some damage to the Indian team.
Predictor:
India has a 8/10 chance of winning tomorrow for having a better overall team. However, Bangladesh do go in with a 4/10 chance only because of their brilliant bowling attack and middle order.
