A struggling Bangladesh will look to take inspiration from Afghanistan and Netherlands and eye an upset in IND vs BAN on October 19 at Pune’s MCA Stadium. Bangladesh are coming into this game after suffering a loss against New Zealand. They are currently sitting seventh with one win in three games. However, team’s biggest concern would be Shakib Al Hasan’s fitness who is racing against time to recover from injury for the India clash.
The pitch is expected to be dry and dusty and spinners from both teams will come handy. If the pitch stays true to its nature, Bangladesh might include an extra batter in form of Mahmudullah Riyad who can be handy with the ball as well.
Bangladesh sweat over Shakib’s fitness
Bangladesh cricket team is currently sweating over their captain Shakib Al Hasan’s fitness. The all-rounder suffered a left quad injury in BAN vs NZ in Chennai while taking a run. Team director Khaled Mahmud said that Shakib is feeling well, but the medical team will monitor him closely during practice session in Pune.
“Shakib is getting better,” Mahmud said. “He is pain-free. But we will know the full scenario when he hits the nets tomorrow. He will also do running between the wickets. We are hopeful that he can play against India. He worked in a swimming session, and some upper-half work in the gym today. There will be a scan tomorrow which will give us a clearer picture of his situation”, Mahmud said in press conference.
If Shakib manages to recover on time, the team is likely to go with the same XI for the India clash. However, if the all-rounder misses out, Mahmudullah Riyad is likely to get a call-up in XI for the important clash.
Bangladesh Playing XI vs India
- Tanzid Hasan
- Litton Das
- Najmul Hossain Shanto
- *Shakib Al Hasan (c)/ Mahmudullah Riyad
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Mushfiqur Rahim (wk)
- Towhid Hridoy
- Mahedi Hasan
- Taskin Ahmed
- Shoriful Islam
- Mustafizur Rahman
* Subject to fitness
Bangladesh World Cup 2023 Squad
Shakib Al Hasan (c), Litton Kumer Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (vc), Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
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