The final league game of the tournament between India and Bangladesh is technically a dead rubber. India has already secured their spot in the final, while Bangladesh has been eliminated. Consequently, this fixture provides a platform for both teams to field their fringe players and grant them valuable game time. Bangladesh, in particular, is yet to finalize their World Cup squad, making this match a final audition for those whose spots are uncertain. On the other hand, India has already revealed their 15-man squad but aims to ensure that their backup players gain experience in the middle.
Bangladesh’s campaign has been a tale of missed opportunities, with promising performances but a lack of composure in crucial moments. They had a convincing win against Afghanistan but faltered in key encounters, especially against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The batting struggles have raised concerns as the World Cup approaches.
India, on the other hand, has had a satisfactory campaign, dealing well with challenges, such as a pressured middle order and defending below-par scores. While they have secured convincing wins, skipper Rohit Sharma acknowledges minor areas for improvement. India is currently riding on crucial momentum.
Match Details:
- Date: Friday, September 15 at 3:00 PM Local Time
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Weather Expectations: Traditionally, this period in Sri Lanka sees post-monsoon weather. However, unusual rains have disrupted the tournament, and more rain is expected on Friday, potentially causing stop-start interruptions. The pitch is likely to be slow with some turn, but rain could alter conditions and favor seam movement.
Team News:
India: Following the lengthy India-Pakistan match and a quick turnaround against Sri Lanka, India is expected to make several changes. Players like Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma may feature. Resting Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah is a possibility to manage their workloads, while the choice between Axar Patel and Shardul Thakur depends on conditions. Mohammed Shami might replace Bumrah.
Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Tilak Varma/Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel/Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj
Bangladesh: Already out of the tournament and missing key players, Bangladesh has an opportunity to revamp their combination. Mohammed Naim’s spot is under scrutiny, and Anamul Haque might replace him, while Tanzid Hasan is also in contention. Mushfiqur Rahim’s absence could give Afif Hossain a chance. Mehidy Hasan Miraz will continue to open.
Probable XI: Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammed Naim/Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (wk), Shakib Al Hasan (c), Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain, Shamim Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud
Did you know?
- Taskin Ahmed leads Bangladesh’s wicket charts in 2023 with 21 wickets in 10 innings, securing two or more wickets on six occasions.
- Rohit Sharma has been exceptional against Bangladesh in multi-national tournaments, with his last five innings reading 137, 123*, 83*, 48, and 104.
What They Said: “They (Bangladesh) have been very competitive in the last few years, have played good cricket. They have a good fast bowling group coming through. We have to play to our potential.” – Paras Mhambrey, India bowling coach, on their opponents.