Mumbai: The Indian cricket team, riding high on an unbeaten streak, will face Bangladesh in the ongoing T20 World Cup this Saturday. This India vs Bangladesh match will be Match 47 of the tournament and India’s second Super 8 clash in the Caribbean.

The match will take place at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound in Antigua, starting at 8:00 pm (IST). India remains unbeaten in the tournament so far, while Bangladesh enters this match following a defeat against Australia and is in dire need of a victory. This will be their second meeting in the tournament, with India having previously triumphed over Bangladesh in a warm-up match.

India’s dominance over Bangladesh in past encounters is well-documented, but cricket is a game of uncertainties. Despite India’s formidable lineup and recent victories, Bangladesh’s reputation for resilience demands respect. Captained by Rohit Sharma, India’s squad showcases a blend of experienced stalwarts and emerging talents, including the dynamic duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma at the helm of the batting order.

The Indian side played well in their Super Eights opener against Afghanistan. With minimal time between matches, they hope that underperforming players, particularly the opening duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, and middle-order batsman Shivam Dube, find their form. However, Hardik Pandya’s explosive cameo against Afghanistan has raised hopes among the men in blue, showcasing Pandya’s prowess as an all-rounder.

Bowling-wise, India is likely to maintain their strategy, fielding three left-arm spinners given the helpful Caribbean pitches. Kuldeep Yadav retained his place over Mohammed Siraj, contributing to a balanced bowling attack as emphasized by Axar Patel.

India’s ultimate goal in the Caribbean remains securing the trophy, and a strong showing against Bangladesh is pivotal before a challenging encounter with Australia on June 24th.

Bangladesh’s Challenges and Opportunities

Meanwhile, Bangladesh faces an uphill battle following a loss to Australia, highlighting their batting inconsistencies. Key players like Litton Das and Shakib Al Hasan hold the key to Bangladesh’s resurgence, while captain Najmul Shanto emphasizes the need for a disciplined approach against India’s formidable bowling attack.

Pitch Report

This will mark the second-afternoon game at this venue. In the earlier game, South Africa opted to bat first and set a formidable total, which the USA team failed to chase. Given the abrasive surface in Antigua, the toss-winning captain is expected to choose batting first, considering the difficulties of batting during the second innings.

Where to Watch India vs Bangladesh T20 World Cup 2024?

The India vs Bangladesh T20 World Cup 2024 match can be watched live on the Star Sports Network in India. For online streaming, you can tune in to the Disney+ Hotstar app or visit their website.

Here are the squads for both teams:

India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman, Jaker Ali, Tanvir Islam, Shoriful Islam, Soumya Sarkar.

Looking Ahead: India’s Busy Cricket Calendar

Beyond the T20 World Cup, India’s cricketing calendar remains packed with high-octane action. Following their campaign in the Caribbean, India gears up for a gripping series against Bangladesh on home turf. The series kicks off with a two-match Test series, followed by three T20Is, promising intense cricketing action across multiple formats.

Upcoming Series Schedule:

Bangladesh Tour of India (2024):

• 1st Test: September 19-23, 2024 – Chennai
• 2nd Test: September 27 – October 1, 2024 – Kanpur
• 1st T20I: October 6, 2024 – Dharamsala
• 2nd T20I: October 9, 2024 – Delhi
• 3rd T20I: October 12, 2024 – Hyderabad

This series marks the beginning of India’s extensive home season, which includes clashes with New Zealand and England. The anticipation is palpable as cricket enthusiasts gear up for a thrilling season ahead, culminating in a five-match Test series against Australia.

As the T20 World Cup unfolds and the countdown begins for India vs Bangladesh in the Super Eights, fans can expect fireworks on the field and strategic battles between these cricketing powerhouses. Stay tuned for updates and analyses as the action-packed cricket season continues to unfold.