Finally the much awaited T20 season begins in Mirpur from tomorrow. India would be playing host Bangladesh in the first match of Asia Cup 2016. Both the teams would be looking for a winning start. India is looking good with two T20 series win recently against Australia and Sri Lanka. 2015 had been the best year for cricket frenzy nation so far in the history. Both the teams’ are favourites to win the cup which makes opening encounter much more interesting and important.
India vs Bangladesh
Team Preview – India
India’s preparation was disturbed by the unfortunate injury to their captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. He injured his back during training ahead of first match. Team would be looking to continue their winning form before ICC World T20 as this is the last chance to fine tune their team ahead of World Cup. “Winning is a habit so when you are playing good cricket it is important to keep that habit going. Focus on your strengths, focus on your work ethics and make sure that you are not complacent, neither are you overconfident,” Shastri told reporters in Fatullah on Tuesday. India would be pleased to have Kolhi back in team after he was rested for Sri Lanka series.
Team News
Parthiv Patel earns another call up as a reserve for Dhoni and would be slotted in the team depending on Dhoni’s availability. Rahane would also make way for Kohli at No. 3 position.
Probabale XI: Dhawan, Rohit, Virat, Raina, Yuvraj, Dhoni/Patel, Pandya, Jadeja, Ashwin, Bumrah, Nehra
Team Preview – Bangladesh
2015 has been the best year for Bengal Tigers. They toppled top team like South Africa, Pakistan and India. Asia Cup 2016 is the best chance for Bangladesh to win their first major ICC trophy. Mashrafe Mortaza led side has mixture of both experience and youth in their side. For many years Bangladesh attack is mostly depended on spinners but current squad has some exciting seam bowling options which would challenge Team India. A win for Bangladesh would give them an early advantage going into the series.
Team News
Bangladesh team looked settled as they have played lot of T20 cricket in the last 12 months. The team has good depth in both the departments. Bangladesh will miss Tamim Iqbal and Rubel Hossain who have been ruled out of Asia Cup.
Probable XI: Kayes, Sarkar, Mahmudullh, Shakib, Rahim, Sabbir Rehman, Nasir Hossain, Mortoza, Taskin Ahmed, Rehman, Abu Haider/Al-Amin Hossain.
Match Facts
Venue: Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur, Dhaka
In recent time Mirpur track had lot of cricket played on it. U-19 World Cup showed run scoring has not been so easy. The 22 yards would assist slow bowling. Team winning the toss would like to bat first. Showers also expected late in the evening.
Time: 19:30 Local | 19:00 IST
Coverage: Start sports 1, Star Sports 3, Star Sports HD
Tags: 1st T20I, Asia Cup 2016, Bangladesh, Dhaka, India, Mirpur, Preview, Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Star Sports 3, Star Sports HD, Start sports 1
