India vs Bangladesh T20I: Statistical preview
After facing a shock 5-wicket defeat in the hands of Sri Lanka in the Nidahas Trophy opener, India will be looking to bounce back when they lock horns against Bangladesh in the second T20I. The match will be played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Bangladesh are without their regular skipper Shakib Al Hassan, whereas, Rohit Sharma will be leading a second-string India.
Bangladesh have never beaten India in T20Is
The two sides have met each other on 5 occasions, with the men in blue emerging triumphant all the 5 times. However, Rohit will be wary of this Bangladesh side that almost ended India's World T20 campaign in 2016. A slip up from the Tigers led to India winning the match by a single run off the final ball.
T20Is has been a nightmare for Bangladesh
Bangladesh are facing their worst spell right now. The Tigers have won just one out of their last 13 T20Is. Bangladesh's only win, however, came at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo against Sri Lanka, where they won by 45 runs in April 2017. It was the then-skipper Mashrafe Mortaza's last T20I game.
Nothing seems to be going in Bangladesh's favour
Bangladesh's poor run is not limited to T20Is. The Tigers lost to Sri Lanka in all the three formats before the start of the Nidahas Trophy and were even washed aside by Proteas in South Africa earlier.
Bangladesh's batsmen just can't find their feet
In the last 12 months, only 3 Bangladesh's batsmen have scored 100+ runs in T20Is- Soumya Sarkar (205), Mahmudullah (146) and Mushfiqur Rahim (110). Their most experienced player, Tamim Iqbal has been out of action and has played just two games. In these desperate times, Tigers will be hoping Tamim will get them off to a good start.
India unlikely to make changes to their XI
Despite the loss, India are unlikely to tinker with their playing XI. Rohit and Dhawan will open the innings while Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, and Rishabh Pant will comprise of India's middle order. Karthik will continue to be the man behind the stumps, whereas, Vijay Shankar and Washington Sundar will be the two all-rounders . Chahal, Unadkat and Shardul Thakur will complete the XI.
