The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune is gearing up to be the battleground for India's fourth game in the ongoing ODI World Cup, where they'll face off against Bangladesh. The upcoming duel between India and Bangladesh is drawing significant interest, given the contrasting trajectories of the two teams recently.
Keeping this in mind, Bangladesh's stand-in skipper Najmul Hussain Shanto won the toss and chose to bat first.
India's Playing XI
Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
Bangladesh's Playing XI
Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Mahmudullah, Nasum Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam
India has showcased stellar form in the tournament, boasting an unblemished record. Their journey kicked off with a decisive win over Australia, and they continued their winning streak against Afghanistan in Delhi and rivals Pakistan in Ahmedabad. Skipper Rohit Sharma has been in sublime form, racking up 217 runs in just three outings, while bowler Jasprit Bumrah has clinched eight wickets, leading the bowling front.
On the other hand, Bangladesh started on a high note with a victory over Afghanistan but faced setbacks with losses to England and New Zealand. The potential absence of their skipper, Shakib Al Hasan, due to fitness concerns further complicates their preparations as they gear up to challenge India in Pune.
Pitch Report
"It's a good pitch, has a history of lot of runs. It's a pitch where the seamers wouldn't mind bowling first up or maybe under lights as well. I don't see a turner. Definition of true pitch - you can bat really well, if you are a quality fast bowler, you get something out of it as well. It's a black soil pitch, there's grass covering which is not green. It'll hold the pitch nicely. High-scoring pitch for sure. I'll use the bouncer very regularly on this pitch. You can plays shots on the up. If anyone will get turn, it's Kuldeep Yadav," said Sanjay Manjrekar and Irfan Pathan ahead of the match.
What the captains said:
“Proud moment for me and my family. We'd like to bat today. Looks a fresh wicket. If we put some good score, it'll be good for the team. He (Shakib) is struggling a bit, Nasum is coming in for him. We have some great memories against India, hopefully we continue our form,” was what stand-in skipper Najmul said.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
After kiss controversy, Jenni Hermoso recalled to Spanish national team for first time since winning Women's World Cup
Lionel Messi contract: MLS Players Association reveals how much money Argentine superstar makes with Inter Miami
