Bangladesh don't have Kohli, but can still win, reckons former Bangladesh captain Aminul Islam Bulbul

Three Asian teams have made it to the semi-finals of the 2107 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy in England. Of those are defending champions India, their arch-rivals Pakistan, and the surprise package, Bangladesh.

After having defeated South Africa in a virtual quarter-final on Sunday, India will face Bangladesh in the second semi-final of the Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, England will go head to head against Pakistan in the first of the two semis.

Recent battles

India and Bangladesh recently had a memorable battle in Bengaluru. The game was played during the 2016 World T20 which witnessed MS Dhoni dart to break the stumps, thus handing India a 1-run victory in a must-win game. They also met in the final of the Asia Cup, which India won convincingly. The two teams will once again face each other in a game where the stakes are much higher, especially for Bangladesh.

The Tigers were clinical against New Zealand, and typical English rains allowed them to enter the semi-finals after Australia lost to England by DLS method. Former Bangladesh captain Aminul Islam Bulbul believes his country can surprise one and all to enter their first-ever final in an ICC tournament. He has rued not having a batsman like Virat Kohli in their arsenal but believes the Tigers are capable of defeating India.

Bangladesh have a strong chance to beat India: Aminul

“Bangladesh do not have a Virat Kohli in their team but still Bangladesh have players who are capable of taking the game away from the opposition. Bangladesh have a very strong chance to beat India. They have beaten a very good side recently and they also have the experience.” said Aminul who was Bangladesh’s debut Test centurion against India back in 2001.

Aminul was also aware of the fact that India are a formidable side, and that they have played some exceptional cricket in the tournament. Barring their defeat against Sri Lanka, India were excellent in both departments, namely against Pakistan and South Africa.

“India too have a very good team and have lot of match winners, so this will be a very interesting match. So both the teams will be under pressure,” he was qouted as saying by bdcrictime.com. The much-anticipated semi-final between Asian giants and giant-killers will be played at Edgbaston on June 15.