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Afghanistan has stunned the reigning champions.
Australia hasn’t appeared the same as it did in previous World Cups. Pakistan
also seems to lack. And when up against the Netherlands, the South African
offensive machine broke down. Only India has performed like a pre-tournament
favourite, and they are aiming for their fourth victory against Bangladesh in
Pune.
Although Bangladesh has a good 3-1 record in one-day
internationals (ODIs) versus India in the past year, winning most recently in
their Super Four match in the Asia Cup last month, defeating India in India is
not an easy task.
In their first three games, the hosts have displayed
strong main-character energy, winning handily against Australia, Afghanistan,
and Pakistan. They were put to various degrees of strain in each of those
matches, including being reduced to 3 for 2 against Australia in the chase and
Afghanistan setting a target of 273, as well as Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan
laying a strong foundation, but in the end it wasn’t even close.
Jasprit Bumrah is the captain of India’s superb
bowling attack, which has claimed 28 out of a possible 30 wickets so far. India
has lost just nine wickets in three chases and never more than four in a game.
Their batting performances have been highlighted by Rohit Sharma’s aggressive
style, and Pune offers another surface that is conducive to batting.
Although this Bangladeshi team has the youth and
experience to challenge India, their recent performance hasn’t been
encouraging. Mushfiqur has two fifty-plus scores through three games, but the
others have had trouble maintaining consistency. Litton Das and Najmul Hossain
Shanto each got a successful knock. Tanzid Hasan, a rookie, hasn’t had much of
an influence. Towhid Hridoy is batting lower than his regular No. 5 position
despite having 500 runs scored prior to the World Cup this year. Additionally
unsuccessful has been Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
The performance of Bangladesh’s quick bowlers may
determine whether Bangladesh keeps India at bay or not. With the exception of
Mustafizur Rahman, the others have been shady. Taskin Ahmed has not been the
same force he was earlier this year, and Shoriful Islam has occasionally been
pricey. If these three, or Hasan Mahmud and Tanzim Hasan, can score, Bangladesh
will have a better chance of winning the match.