Bangladesh is set to take the field against India today. The Tigers have been struggling recently, even in their favorite format, ODIs. They have been under pressure and have lost their last two ODI series, suffering defeats against Afghanistan and the West Indies.
Additionally, Bangladesh has been out of international cricket for the past two months. The busy schedule of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in December and January pushed ODIs to the sidelines, affecting their preparations for the Champions Trophy.
Their final opportunity for a warm-up was the practice match, but the Tigers failed to impress against Pakistan Shaheens. Due to poor performances in both batting and bowling, they suffered a seven-wicket defeat. As a result, questions are now being raised about last edition’s semifinalists.
However, it will be up to Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and others to answer these concerns. Today’s match against India on Thursday could be the perfect occasion for that. Bangladesh and India will face off in their Champions Trophy opener in Dubai, starting at 3:00 PM.
For the first time, Bangladesh is playing a global tournament without Shakib Al Hasan, and Tamim Iqbal is also absent. While Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad are in the squad, they are not in their best form. The rest of the players have also struggled with consistency.
Moreover, Litton Das is unavailable, meaning Soumya Sarkar will have to take responsibility. He will be partnered with Tanzid Tamim at the top. Najmul Hossain Shanto will bat at number three, while either Towhid Hridoy or Zakir Ali will take the number four spot, followed by Mushfiqur Rahim.
Mahmudullah Riyad will bat at number six, Mehidy Hasan Miraz at seven, and Rishad Hossain at eight. As for the pace attack, Nahid Rana and Taskin Ahmed are almost certain to play, while the third pacer is likely to be Mustafizur Rahman.
Probable Playing XI:
Tanzid Tamim
Soumya Sarkar
Najmul Hossain Shanto
Mushfiqur Rahim
Towhid Hridoy / Zakir Ali
Mahmudullah Riyad
Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Taskin Ahmed
Nahid Rana
Mustafizur Rahman
