Mahmudullah’s men are riding high after winning their first T20I against India held at Arun Jaitely Stadium in New Delhi on Nov.3. But, can they capitalise to seal the series with another win when they meet at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium for the second T20I later in the day? Only the time will tell.
The win in Delhi in tough conditions was just what Bangladesh needed after a tumultuous few weeks and with several of their big names missing. The visitors showed maturity in taking the game deep on a slow surface and were rewarded for it.
Meanwhile, India will be under pressure to avoid another limited-over series defeat at home after losing to Australia earlier in the year and drawing a series with South Africa. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, India’s concern is their death bowling. Shardul Thakur is another bowling option for captain Rohit Sharma, while Sanju Samson and Manish Pandey are batsmen waiting on the bench. India, though, might choose to give their playing XI a longer rope before forcing any drastic changes.
India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal said, “It is not about pressure. It is a three-game series, not a knock-out game, so obviously one will win, one will lose, and that day they played better than us. We are one down and still two matches to go, and obviously if we believe in ourselves, we will come back.”
Bangladesh wicket-keeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim said, “I said to the journalists before leaving Bangladesh that the only way to return to the right track would be with a couple of wins in India. It will bring back smiles and calmness to the team and the nation.”
Catch the live action on Star Sports from 7 pm.
This post was published on November 7, 2019 4:36 pm