As the three-match T20I series between India and Bangladesh ends, the final game will take place on October 12, 2024. The venue is Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. After two convincing victories by the Indian side, this match will determine whether India completes a clean sweep or Bangladesh manages to salvage some pride. The previous encounters have been lopsided, with India dominating on both occasions and now the focus is on how both teams will approach this decider.
Match Preview
India and Bangladesh have shared an intense cricketing rivalry over the years, especially in the limited-overs formats. In this T20I series, India, under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, has displayed their depth and strength. At the same time, Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, has struggled to match up to the hosts. With the final game being a dead rubber in terms of the series outcome, it presents an opportunity for both teams to test their bench strength and provide key players some rest ahead of future fixtures.
The first T20I, held in Gwalior, saw India easily chase down a modest total thanks to a clinical batting display by Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya. Bangladesh, despite some moments of brilliance, could not contain the Indian batters.
The second T20I in Delhi was more one-sided, as India posted a mammoth total of 221/9 in their 20 overs, with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Rinku Singh leading the charge. In reply, Bangladesh could only muster 135/9, giving India a comprehensive 86-run victory and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
This third match presents an opportunity for India to experiment with their lineup while giving some of their regulars a break. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will be eager to finish the series on a high and take some momentum into future assignments.
Team News
India
India’s approach has been aggressive, with their batting unit firing on all cylinders. Including youngsters like Nitish Kumar Reddy, Rinku Singh, and Mayank Yadav has injected fresh energy into the squad. Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership has been lauded, particularly his ability to keep the team calm in crucial moments. India’s bowling, featuring Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy, has also effectively stifled the Bangladeshi batters.
India might make a few changes to this game, given that the Men in Blue have already won the series. Players like Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav could rest, giving fringe players like Harshit Rana and Tilak Verma a chance to show their talent.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh has struggled to cope with the firepower of the Indian team in both departments. Najmul Hossain Shanto’s leadership has been tested, and while there have been individual performances of note, the team has lacked cohesion. Bangladesh’s batting has been a major letdown, with none of their top-order players stepping up in either game. Their bowling unit, led by Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed, has shown glimpses of brilliance but has been unable to contain India’s batters consistently.
Bangladesh might also consider changes, especially in their batting lineup, for the third T20I as they look to build for the future.
Probable Playing XI
India:
- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Sanju Samson (wk)
- Rinku Singh
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Abhishek Sharma
- Washington Sundar
- Shivam Dube
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Arshdeep Singh
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Mayank Yadav
Bangladesh:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)
- Litton Das (wk)
- Towhid Hridoy
- Mahmudullah
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Mahedi Hasan
- Parvez Hossain Emon
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Taskin Ahmed
- Tanzim Hasan
- Rakibul Hasan
Key Players
India
Suryakumar Yadav: The Indian captain has been in excellent form, consistently performing with the bat and leading the team with composure. His innovative stroke play, combined with his ability to adapt to different match situations, makes him India’s most dangerous batter. Yadav’s presence in the middle overs has been instrumental in India’s success, and if he plays in the third T20I, he will again be the player to watch.
Rinku Singh: The young left-hander has been one of the series' revelations, playing impactful innings in both matches. His aggressive approach in the middle order has provided India with crucial runs at critical moments. Rinku’s ability to accelerate and finish games will be key to India’s plans.
Bangladesh
Najmul Hossain Shanto: The Bangladesh captain has shouldered much of this series' responsibility but has yet to produce a big score. His role as the anchor at the top of the order will be crucial if Bangladesh is to post a competitive total or chase down a target. Shanto must find form quickly to give his team a fighting chance.
Mustafizur Rahman: The left-arm pacer has been Bangladesh’s most reliable bowler, using his variations effectively to trouble India’s batters. His ability to bowl in the death overs and pick up wickets at crucial junctures will be key if Bangladesh is to restrict India to a manageable total.
Match Prediction
India come into the last match with immense confidence after securing comfortable wins in both the first and second T20Is. They have outplayed Bangladesh in all departments, and with the depth in their squad, they remain the favorites to win the third match as well. While Bangladesh will be desperate to avoid a whitewash, their lack of form and consistency, especially in batting, puts them at a disadvantage.
Prediction: India to win, completing a 3-0 series sweep.