CricketViewer.com

Match facts
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Start time 15.00 (local), 9.00 (GMT)

The Big Picture

Any doubts about how an Indian batting line-up would perform without their senior players were put to rest by the clinical victory over Pakistan. Bangladesh, who are yet to win a match against significant opposition since last year’s World Cup, now have the unenviable task of beating an in-form India to avoid elimination.

India’s massive win on Tuesday means that only an unlikely defeat by more than 218 runs will stop them from making the title clash. That match also dented Pakistan’s net run-rate to such an extent that even a one-run victory for Bangladesh will see the hosts through to the final.

Form guide - India

Last five matches: WWWWL (most recent first)

Players to watch: Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir have been in sensational form in recent months. Their opening partnerships in the IPL formed the bedrock of the Delhi Daredevils’ IPL campaign and the ease with which they piled on 155 at more than seven an over against Pakistan would worry any opposition.

Form guide - Bangladesh

Last five matches: LLLLL (most recent first)

Player to watch: For a batsman of Mohammad Ashraful’s undoubted class, an ODI average of 22.71 is unacceptable. Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons was heartened by the manner in which Ashraful ground out an unbeaten 56 against Pakistan, shunning the impetuousness that has brought an abrupt halt to many of his innings. It will be interesting to observe what sort of approach Ashraful adopts against India.

Team news

With Farhad Reza having had a horror run in the recent series against Pakistan, Bangladesh are likely to retain the XI they went in with for the previous game. Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Shahriar Nafees, 3 Mohammad Ashraful (capt), 4 Raqibul Hasan, 5 Alok Kapali, 6 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 7 Mahmudullah, 8 Mashrafe Mortaza, 9 Dolar Mahmud, 10 Abdur Razzak, 11 Shahadat Hossain.

India’s coach Gary Kirsten spoke about adopting a rotation policy, and with a place in the final almost assured, they are likely to experiment with the line-up. Ishant Sharma has recovered from a niggle he picked up in the game against Pakistan but could be rested to give Manpreet Gony a debut.

India (probable): 1 Virender Sehwag, 2 Gautam Gambhir, 3 Yuvraj Singh, 4 Rohit Sharma, 5 Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt & wk), 6 Suresh Raina/ Robin Uthappa, 7 Yusuf Pathan, 8 Irfan Pathan, 9 Piyush Chawla, 10 Praveen Kumar, 11 Manpreet Gony

Pitch and conditions

With pitches offering considerable assistance to spin, and getting slower as the ball gets older, the batsmen may want to make the most of the hard, new ball. And with the tracks being composed of black soil, it has also been tougher for the batsmen to sight the ball as the innings progresses. Although heavy showers are forecast for the rest of the week, the excellent drainage facilities - and the reserve day - should ensure a completed match.

Stats and trivia

Source:Cricket News