Dubai: India will lock horns with Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday in the Super Fours of the T20 Asia Cup, as both teams look to maintain their unbeaten streaks. Historically, India have dominated Bangladesh in T20Is, winning 16 of 17 encounters with Bangladesh securing a lone victory in Delhi back in November 2019.
Bangladesh made up for their Group B defeat to Sri Lanka by beating the islanders by four wickets on Saturday, while India continued their dominance over Pakistan with a six-wicket victory a day later. Despite India’s overwhelming head-to-head record, the Tigers have given the Men in Blue several tight contests, including memorable clashes in World Cups and the Nidahas Trophy final in Colombo in 2018, where Dinesh Karthik’s last-ball six secured India the title.
India’s strengths and challenges
India have breezed through their four matches in the tournament but will be mindful of certain areas needing improvement. Jasprit Bumrah, returning to international T20s after a year, has struggled with his line and length, conceding 8.36 runs per over and claiming only three wickets in 11 overs, most of them in the Powerplay. His lack of penetrative bowling in the early overs could place additional pressure on India’s spin trio.
Alongside Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy will look to maintain his role as a strike bowler in the middle overs. The No. 1 ranked T20I bowler has taken two wickets at a strike rate of 30 and an economy of 5.30 runs per over. Kuldeep Yadav, too, is expected to play a crucial role in controlling the scoring rate while providing wicket-taking options.
On the batting front, India remain formidable, with Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson leading the charge. In the previous T20I series at home, India piled up 297 for six in Hyderabad, with Samson smashing a fiery 111. The Men in Blue will look to continue their momentum with the bat to put pressure on Bangladesh’s bowling unit.
Bangladesh’s strategy
Bangladesh, under Litton Das, rely on a blend of experience and youth. Key campaigners like Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Mahedi Hasan bring valuable experience, while a younger contingent is unburdened by previous defeats. Bangladesh aim to break India’s stranglehold, focusing on tight bowling and disciplined batting to capitalize on any lapses.
The team has shown flashes of brilliance but will need to consistently execute plans against India’s formidable batting and bowling line-up. The clash in Dubai offers Bangladesh a chance to redeem past defeats and assert themselves as serious contenders in the tournament.
Key matchups to watch
The contest is likely to hinge on Bumrah’s new-ball spells, Chakravarthy’s middle-overs effectiveness, and the ability of Indian batters to convert starts into big scores. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will look to exploit any early Indian vulnerabilities and rely on their young talent to maintain scoring pressure. With both teams unbeaten, the match promises to be a high-intensity encounter, potentially shaping the dynamics of the Super Fours stage.