India vs Bangladesh, 1st T20I: Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

Delhi will host it's first T20I since November 2017.

Published - 02 Nov 2019, 18:39 IST | Updated - 02 Nov 2019, 18:39 IST

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It’s a historic moment in Bangladesh cricket as the national team is set to play its maiden full-fledged series in India. The fixtures get underway on Sunday, November 3 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. But it might not be a joyous ride for them as Shakib Al Hasan won’t be a part of the series due to the suspension. To add to their agony, the Tigers are yet to beat India in a T20I out of 8 matches.

It will be the first time the Asian Giants will be locking horns in the shortest format in India. Ahead of the opening encounter, the indifferent air quality in the national capital has been hogging the limelight. But as of now, the game will take place as per schedule. India have a topsy-turvy run in T20Is in 2018, losing quite a few matches and they will be looking for a thumping end to the year.

Pitch and Conditions

The last T20I in Delhi took place way back in November 2017 and India scored 202 against New Zealand. The average score in the format at the venue is 155 and it’s not a pitch where bowlers can afford to err in line and lengths. The conditions will be hazy and the temperature will be around the 25 degrees Celsius. The humidity will be in the 80s and there are no chances of rain as of now.

Team Combinations

India

The hosts should be opening with Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, who will be looking to get amongst the runs. In the absence of Virat Kohli, KL Rahul should be batting at three. Rahul has played only one out of the five T20Is India have played after the World Cup and he will dearly want some runs. Both Pandey and Iyer have been a part of the national setup after the mega event.

Rishabh Pant needs a decent score under his belt, especially with Sanju Samson breathing down his neck. Shivam Dube has been outstanding in the domestic circuit and it won’t be a surprise if he makes his debut. Krunal Pandya and Washington Sundar are the other all-rounders along with Dube. The pace duo trio of Chahar and Khaleel will be key. Chahal is likely to be the lone specialist spinner.

Probable XI

Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Manish Pandey/Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Shivam Dube, Krunal Pandya, Washington Sundar, Deepak Chahar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Khaleel Ahmed.

Bangladesh

Soumya Sarkar was dropped midway from the tri-series in Bangladesh and he’ll be keen to make a point. Liton Das hasn’t been all that consistent either. In Shakib’s absence, Mushfiqur Rahim may get a promotion in the batting order. Imrul Kayes, who came in as Tamim Iqbal’s replacement, may have to wait for his chance. Mohammad Mithun may just get the nod ahead of the left-handed batter.

Mahmudullah’s role in the middle will be critical. Afif Hossain impressed last month in the tri-series. Even Mosaddek Hossain can get some quick runs lower down the order and also pick some crucial wickets. Taijul Islam made his T20I return in September and there will be a toss-up between him and Arafat Sunny. Speedster Mustafizur Rahman has to lead from the front in the bowling department.

Probable XI

Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mohammad Mithun/Imrul Kayes, Mahmudullah (c), Mosaddek Hossain, Afif Hossain, Taijul Islam/Arafat Sunny, Al-Amin Hossain/Aminul Islam Biplob, Mustafizur Rahman, Shafiul Islam.