Asia Cup 2018: Final, India vs Bangladesh- Bangladesh Predicted XI

Bangladesh haven’t been at their stupendous best by any means in the ongoing Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Yet they have somehow managed to hold on and qualify for the final of the multi-nation tournament against India at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday, September 28. Moreover, they also made their third Asia Cup final after 2012 and 2016.

Mashrafe Mortaza’s men lost both finals and would be keen to roll over the Men in Blue, against whom they lost when the event was played in the T20 format in 2016. They will be the underdogs going into the match, but Rohit Sharma’s men can’t afford to undermine them, especially after how the Tigers played against Pakistan. In our article, we take a look at Bangladesh’s predicted eleven.

Openers (Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar)

The opening pair is expected to remain the same. Liton Das has strained throughout the event at the top of the order, but Bangladesh don’t have many alternatives to choose from. Albeit he got a reasonable score against Afghanistan, he has looked out of sorts. Soumya Sarkar came in midway through the tournament and replaced Nazmul Hossain Shanto.

However, he couldn’t make an impact against Pakistan and fell prey to Junaid Khan for a five-ball duck. He made a comeback to the One Day team after the Tigers’ tour of South Africa back in October 2017. His credentials aren’t worth doubting, but the left-handed batsman somehow needs to contribute with the willow and help his team out against the Men in Blue.

Middle-order (Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mohammad Mithun, Imrul Kayes)

Shakib Al Hasan is the big name that will be missing from the middle order. Mominul Haque came in place of him but was nipped out by Shaheen Shah Afridi. A technically sound batsman, Mominul has shown that he has the potential to represent Bangladesh at the highest level. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to translate the promise into something substantial.

Mushfiqur Rahim, during the previous match, cramped up owing to which he was unable to keep wickets. The Bogra-born cricketer needs to step up if the Tigers want to win their maiden Asia Cup. Mohammad Mithun, after a few indifferent shows, finally got his form back, much to his team’s relief. Left-handed batsman Imrul Kayes is the other player.

All-rounder (Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan)

Mahmudullah has blown a tad hot and hot in the event. Nevertheless, he has delivered in crunch moments. The Mymensingh-born cricketer needs to be at his very best, both with bat and ball. Mehidy Hasan has been brilliant with his off-breaks and has also contributed with priceless runs lower down the order. The onus will again be on Mahmudullah and Mehidy.

Bowlers (Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman)  

The bowling lineup also won’t be tinkered with. Skipper Mashrafe Mortaza has gone for runs at a few times, but the seasoned campaigner also stepped up for his team in the hour of need. The Norail Express hasn’t got a whole lot of wickets, but his presence is an intimidating prospect for the opponents.

He also displayed his agility on the field with a stupendous catch to dismiss Shoaib Malik. Rubel Hossain, after being sidelined from the match against Afghanistan, bowled well against Pakistan. In the meantime, Bangladesh would be hoping for Mustafizur Rahim to make inroads in the Indian lineup.

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