India is set to commence their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign today, February 20, against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium. The match is scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM IST.
India enter the Heroes Prize with great force, following their predominant execution against Britain in late white-ball series. The host group got a ruling 3-0 whitewash in the ODI series that finished up as of late.
The team enters the tournament with strong momentum, having recently achieved a 3-0 ODI series sweep over England. Captain Rohit Sharma has emphasized the importance of substantial contributions from the top-order batsmen, particularly highlighting Shubman Gill's impressive form, who amassed 259 runs in the England series. However, the team faces a significant challenge with the absence of their premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, due to injury. This has led to a strategic shift towards a spin-heavy bowling attack, with players like Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja expected to play pivotal roles.
The Bangladesh team(Tigers) have had a less active lead-up, with their last international outing in December 2024, where they faced a 3-0 defeat in an ODI series against the West Indies. Notably, this tournament marks the first ICC event in over a decade where Bangladesh will compete without their star all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto will rely on experienced players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah to anchor the team. The bowling attack, led by Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, aims to challenge India's formidable batting lineup.
The Dubai International Stadium offers a balanced pitch, providing early assistance to fast bowlers with swing and seam movement, while also becoming conducive to batting as the game progresses. Historically, teams batting second have found success here, with nearly 60% of ODIs won by the chasing side. The weather forecast indicates partly cloudy conditions with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 29°C, and a slight chance of rain, which could influence team strategies, particularly concerning the potential impact of dew in the evening.
The Indian crew showed their predominance in the first five-match T20I series against Britain too, getting a 4-1 victory. These sequential triumphs inside the previous month have likely helped the group's certainty essentially, following a disheartening visit through Australia and a blended season at home.
The circumstance shows up less clear for Bangladesh, who haven't played any cricket since their West Indies visit in December. Bangladesh encountered a troublesome ODI series against the West Indies, experiencing a 3-0 loss. Notwithstanding, they figured out how to recuperate by winning each of the three T20Is in the Caribbean subsequently. Before their West Indies visit, they had confronted a difficulty in November, losing 2-1 to Afghanistan in an ODI series held in the UAE.
For this Champions Prize mission, Rohit Sharma assumes responsibility for a side that faces the test of contending without their star fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. The group's methodology fixates on using turn bowling as their essential weapon to get triumphs in the opposition.
In ODI history, India and Bangladesh have faced each other 41 times, with India securing 32 victories and Bangladesh 8, while one match ended without a result. Their most recent encounter was during the ICC Cricket World Cup in October 2023, where India emerged victorious by 7 wickets. Given India's recent form and depth in both batting and bowling, they are favored to win this match. However, Bangladesh has a history of delivering surprising performances in major tournaments, and underestimating them could be perilous.
Rohit, coming off his 32nd ODI century, will face the challenge of Mustafizur's variations. In previous encounters, Mustafizur has dismissed Rohit three times in 10 ODIs, making this a critical matchup. Kohli's proficiency against right-arm pacers will be tested by Taskin's pace and accuracy. Taskin has previously managed to contain Kohli, dismissing him once in four ODI innings. Kuldeep's left-arm wrist spin will be pivotal in the middle overs, aiming to unsettle Mahmudullah, who has shown vulnerability against spin in Asian conditions.
While India holds a statistical and form advantage, cricket's unpredictability ensures that Bangladesh cannot be overlooked. The match promises to be a compelling contest, with both teams eager to start their Champions Trophy campaigns on a positive note. In the mean time, their initial rivals, Bangladesh, have shown a history of conveying astounding results in significant competitions.
LATEST: Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bat first. Now its a testing time for bowlers.
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Bangladesh in trouble after losing 3 wickets with just 35 runs in 8 overs. now another blow 4th wicket down.oh another blow 5th wicket down deep deep trouble for bangladesh.
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