Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended good wishes to both the India and Bangladesh cricket teams ahead of their crucial T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match on Saturday, June 22, at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua. Both teams are preparing for their second encounter in the Super 8 phase. This game is critical for India, who are aiming for a victory to move closer to semi-final qualification. Bangladesh, in contrast, must win to maintain their chances in the tournament. Amidst the global excitement of the World Cup, PM Modi conveyed his best wishes to the teams during a press conference with his Bangladeshi counterpart, Sheikh Hasina, in New Delhi.
"I wish both the teams all the best for tonight's World Cup match. Bangladesh is India's largest development partner and we give utmost priority to our relations with Bangladesh,” said PM Modi.
Historically, India have dominated Bangladesh in T20I matches, winning most of their encounters. But Bangladesh has challenged India more recently, with some close games keeping fans on the edge of their seats. This is especially true of the last two T20 World Cup meetings between the two teams. India and Bangladesh have a history of producing heart-stopping encounters in the T20 World Cup. Remember the 2016 edition? A nail-biting finish in Bangalore saw India snatch victory by mere one run. The 2022 tournament was no different, with India edging past Bangladesh by just five runs in a dramatic match filled with twists and turns at Adelaide Oval.
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With such a history, all eyes are on their upcoming clash. India enter the match on a high after a comfortable 47-run win over Afghanistan. Bangladesh, on the other hand, are looking to bounce back from a crushing eight-wicket defeat to Australia.
Virat Kohli seeks redemption against Bangladesh
Virat Kohli, a legend of the game, boasts a strong record against Bangladesh in T20Is. Over the past decade, he's amassed 193 runs in just five matches against them, averaging over a run-a-ball with a strike rate of 122.15. Three of those innings were unbeaten knocks, with a highest score of 64 not out.
In their most recent encounter, the 2022 T20 World Cup match decided by the DLS method, Kohli was the hero, scoring an unbeaten 64 off 44 balls and taking home the Player of the Match award. However, Kohli's current form in the ongoing tournament hasn't been ideal. The upcoming match against Bangladesh presents a great opportunity for him to rediscover his touch and silence his critics. Can Kohli lead India to another win against Bangladesh and get his mojo back?
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