Colombo: Fresh from a thrilling win in their last league game against hosts Sri Lanka, Bangladesh will have their tails up as they prepare to take on a confident India in the final of the Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.
In what was a virtual semi-final against the Islanders on Friday, Bangladesh pulled off a brilliant two-wicket win from the jaws of defeat in the final over, which was marred by ugly scenes following the on-field umpires’ failure to call the second delivery of the over a no-ball for height.
Bangladesh’s intent shows that they are eager to win this tournament and have not come here to make up the numbers which India will be well aware of, considering their consistent rise in the shortest format of the game.
Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan has vowed to keep his emotions under control after heated altercations and ugly scenes marred the dramatic win over Sri Lanka.
Furious at the decision, an agitated Shakib came down to the boundary and waved at his batsmen to return to the pavilion before relenting as Bangladesh registered a momentous win.
“I wasn’t calling them back. I was telling them to play. You can describe it both ways. It depends on how you see it,” Shakib said.
“Many things happened that shouldn’t have happened. I need to remain calm. I was overjoyed. Excitement was there. I must know how to react next time. I will be careful.”
Shakib said it was a one-off incident where emotions got the better of both the teams.
“What happens in the field should never spill over off the field. To be honest, we are all good friends. We see each other in the Bangladesh Premier League and Dhaka Premier League,” he said.
“The two boards have great relations. We help each other a lot. Just like I would want my team to win at all cost, they would have the same feeling. I am sure that both teams will never let it go off the field.”
Bangladesh players were later accused of unruly celebrations after a glass door was found broken in their dressing room.
Bangladesh team management did not respond to the allegations, but it is understood that they have offered to pay for the damages.
The ICC is yet to comment on the matter even as match referee Chris Broad has asked for video footage of the incident.
Going into Sunday’s final, India with a second-string team minus regular captain Virat Kohli and veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni, will hope their skipper Rohit Sharma will lead from the front and replicate his form in their previous encounter against the same opposition on Wednesday.
Rohit struck a brilliant 61-ball 89, his 13th T20 half century and was well supported by veteran left-hander Suresh Raina (47) as India edged past the Bangladeshis by 17 runs to seal their spot in the final.
Rohit’s opening partner Shikhar Dhawan has also been among the runs during the tournament even as the men-in-blue would hope for some fireworks from the likes of Lokesh Rahul and the middle order comprising Dinesh Karthik and Manish Pandey.
Among the bowlers, teenaged off-spinner Washington Sundar has been the find of the tournament with his exploits in the power play overs, while leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has supported him well.
If India are to restrict the Bangladeshis, the rookie pace department, comprising Mohammad Siraj, Shardul Thakur and all-rounder Vijay Shankar will need to complement the spin duo.
On the other hand, bolstered by the return of regular skipper Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh will definitely go all out in the summit clash.
Their top order comprising Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Soumya Sarkar and Mahmudullah have been among the runs while Liton Das seems the only weak link at the top.
The Bangladeshis will also be wary of Washington Sundar, who ripped through the top order in the previous tie.
Bangladesh’s bowling department led by Mustafizur Rahman and Rubel Hossain have troubled the Indians more often than not and will aim to replicate that in the final. Left-spinner Shakib’s inclusion has only added more spice to the contest.
Squads:
India: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shikhar Dhawan (vice-captain), Lokesh Rahul, Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik (wicketkeeper), Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Vijay Shankar, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammad Siraj and Rishabh Pant.
Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Mahmudullah, Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Mushfiqur Rahim (wicketkeeper), Sabbir Rahman, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Abu Hider, Abu Jayed, Ariful Haque, Nazmul Islam, Nurul Hasan, Mehidy Hasan, Liton Das.
