The India-Bangladesh T20I series is heading into its second match, with both teams looking to make an impact in the short three-match series. After a thrilling first match, India holds the upper hand, but Bangladesh is expected to come back stronger in the second T20I, scheduled for October 9, 2024, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Match Preview
Under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, India showed their emerging talent in the first T20I with several new names making an impact. The young Indian squad features IPL stars like Mayank Yadav and Nitish Kumar Reddy. The team is undergoing a transitional phase with several senior players rested. Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, is missing key veteran Shakib Al Hasan. Yeth, they still boast a good mix of young and experienced players. Both sides are testing their squad depth, providing opportunities for upcoming players to impress on the international stage.
India’s pace attack, featuring Mayank Yadav and Arshdeep Singh, has added firepower to their bowling line-up. Varun Chakravarthy has also made a stellar comeback, picking up three wickets in the last match. In contrast, Bangladesh will rely on their experienced pacer Mustafizur Rahman and promising all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz to counter the aggressive Indian batters. With a relatively spin-friendly pitch in Delhi, it will be interesting to see how the bowlers adjust to the conditions.
Team News
India is experimenting with their squad to give opportunities to uncapped players. The first T20I saw debuts for both Mayank Yadav and Nitish Kumar Reddy, two exciting young players who impressed during the IPL. Alongside them, pacer Harshit Rana has also been a significant inclusion in the squad.
On the other hand, Bangladesh is in a rebuilding phase, with Shakib Al Hasan’s absence looming large. Najmul Hossain Shanto, the skipper, will likely lead from the front, while Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz will play pivotal roles. Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman provide Bangladesh with a formidable pace duo. However, they will need to step up after an underwhelming performance in the first match.
Probable Playing XI
India:
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Riyan Parag, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh.
Bangladesh:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahmudullah, Parvez Hossain Emon, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Rakibul Hasan, Shoriful Islam.
Key Players
India:
Suryakumar Yadav: As the captain, Suryakumar Yadav will play a crucial role with the bat. His innovative strokeplay and experience make him the backbone of India’s batting lineup. His ability to accelerate the scoring in the middle overs will be key to India’s success. Yadav scored 29 off only 14 deliveries in the first T20I and will be eager to get a big score here.
Hardik Pandya: He delivered an all-round masterclass in the first T20I. Pandya bowled an excellent spell of 4-0-26-1 and also played an unbeaten knock of 39 off only 16 deliveries, studded with five fours and two huge sixes.
Bangladesh:
Litton Das: As one of the senior-most players, Litton Das has to stabilize Bangladesh's batting order. His experience and adaptability make him matter, especially against India's varied bowling attack. Das couldn’t make an impact in the first T20I and that’s why he will be desperate to deliver in this match.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz: Miraz is crucial with both bat and ball. His all-round abilities give Bangladesh flexibility, particularly with his off-spin likely to play a crucial role on the Delhi pitch. Miraz remained unbeaten on 35 in the previous match and also picked up a wicket in the only over he bowled.
Match Prediction
India enters the second T20I as favourites, given their squad depth and the confidence from the first match's win. The young players, led by Suryakumar Yadav, seem to sync with the rhythm, especially in the bowling department. Bangladesh, however, cannot be ruled out. They have the talent to pull off an upset, especially with their experienced core. Nevertheless, India's recent form tips the scales in their favour for this encounter. As the series progresses, expect both teams to further refine their strategies, but for now, India is in a stronger position to take the second T20I and secure the series.