As India gears up to face Bangladesh in the upcoming World Cup match, an intriguing statistic has emerged, revealing a significant vulnerability in the Indian batting lineup against left-arm finger spin. Bangladesh’s captain and talisman, Shakib Al Hasan, is a master of this skill, which adds a unique twist to the anticipated showdown. Since 2022, Indian batters have conceded 42 wickets to left-arm spinners, while leg-spinners and off-spinners have accounted for 21 and 24 wickets, respectively.
However, there’s uncertainty surrounding Shakib’s participation in the match due to a left quadriceps injury. The Bangladesh management has not yet confirmed his availability, leaving fans and cricket enthusiasts in suspense.
Virat Kohli, the Indian team’s captain, acknowledged Shakib’s prowess, saying, “He’s got amazing control. He’s a very experienced bowler. You have to play your best against all these bowlers.” Shakib has a remarkable record against India, taking 10 wickets in four games since 2022, with an average of 18 and a strike rate of 24.
Surprisingly, the Indian team claims not to have a special strategy to counter Shakib, emphasizing his status as a quality player. India’s bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, remarked, “Honestly, I don’t think any conversation that we have out here… But for us, it doesn’t really.”
Apart from the Shakib factor, Bangladesh has discovered ways to unsettle even the strongest Indian teams. Recent statistics indicate Bangladesh’s ascent in this fixture, with victories in three of their last four ODIs against India.
The match promises to be a live World Cup contest, with both teams in impressive form. India, led by Rohit Sharma, has been dominating with its batting, while bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav have shown precision. The pitch at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune traditionally favors the batsmen, making it a thrilling prospect for the fans. However, unpredictable outcomes have characterized this tournament, so anything can happen.
Key Match Details:
- Date: India vs. Bangladesh, October 19, 2023, 14:00 IST
- Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
- Weather: The match could be affected by cooler weather due to a cyclone warning in the vicinity, although the pitch typically favors batsmen.
Team Watch: India: The Indian team is unlikely to make changes to the XI that played against Pakistan on October 14, given the small boundaries of Pune Stadium. Extra spinners are ruled out.
Bangladesh: The composition of the Bangladesh XI remains uncertain, with the skipper’s availability in question. Possible changes could involve Tanzid Hasan Miraz being promoted as an opener, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib might get a look-in.
Did you know?
- In the last three matches at this venue, only six wickets fell to spin, with spinners averaging 109.66, in contrast to pacers’ 33.83.
- Rohit Sharma boasts an impressive average of 69.66 against Bangladesh in ODIs when he’s captained the Indian team.
- Shakib Al Hasan has three 50+ scores in four World Cup games against India in World Cups.
What they said: “It has been tough. It is tough to miss someone like Bumrah. He is a world-class bowler. He gives you that breakthrough that you require in the power plays. He’s well adapted to bowl in the middle overs and he’s a top gun dead bowler.” – Paras Mhambrey on Jasprit Bumrah’s value to the team.
“I think Virat Kohli is the guy for me that you think about the night before, or two days out, because that’s how we value his scalp.” – Bangladesh bowling coach Allan Donald on the biggest threat in the opposition camp.
