The third and final match of the three-match T20I series between India and Bangladesh will be held on October 12, 2024, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. With India having already clinched the series 2-0, the focus shifts to whether the home side can secure a clean sweep or if Bangladesh can salvage some pride in the last game. India has displayed overwhelming dominance so far, and Bangladesh aims to bounce back with a more robust performance in this inconsequential but important fixture.
Match Preview
India and Bangladesh share a spirited cricketing rivalry, with numerous close matches over the years, especially in white-ball formats. However, in this T20I series, India have been in command under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. The hosts have outplayed Bangladesh in all aspects of the game, dominating with both bat and ball. Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, have struggled to match India’s intensity, and their performances have lacked the spark needed to compete against a formidable Indian side.
India took an unassailable lead in the series with two comfortable victories. The first T20I, held in Gwalior, saw India effortlessly chase down a modest target, thanks to stellar batting performances from Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya. Bangladesh, despite showing some potential, failed to pose a significant challenge.
The second T20I in Delhi was one-sided, with India posting a mammoth 221/9 in their 20 overs. Rinku Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy played explosive innings to propel the hosts to a commanding total. In response, Bangladesh faltered with the bat, managing just 135/9, handing India an 86-run victory and sealing the series. As the teams prepare for the final game, India will look to test their bench strength, while Bangladesh will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.
Team News
India
India has been aggressive throughout the series, with their batting line-up consistently delivering strong performances. Young talents like Nitish Kumar Reddy, Rinku Singh, and Mayank Yadav have added fresh energy to the team. Suryakumar Yadav has led the side admirably, combining astute captaincy with his trademark innovative batting.
With the series already in the bag, India may opt to rotate their squad and give some fringe players an opportunity in the final game. Regulars such as Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya might be rested to keep them fresh for future assignments. Players like Harshit Rana and Tilak Verma, who have been waiting in the wings, could be given a chance to prove themselves at the international level.
On the bowling front, India’s pace attack, led by Arshdeep Singh, has effectively curbed Bangladesh’s scoring. Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi have also played crucial roles with their spin, keeping the opposition batters under control in the middle overs. With India’s depth in both batting and bowling, they remain the favourites heading into the final match.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh, on the other hand, has been plagued by inconsistency throughout the series. Najmul Hossain Shanto has struggled to rally his team, and while there have been individual moments of brilliance, Bangladesh’s overall performance has been subpar. Their batting unit has been the primary cause of concern, with none of the top-order players making a significant impact in the first two games.
The bowling attack, spearheaded by Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed, has had its moments but has lacked consistency in keeping India’s explosive batting line-up in check. Mustafizur, in particular, has been Bangladesh’s most reliable bowler, but he has not received enough support from the rest of the attack.
For the final game, Bangladesh might consider making changes, particularly in their batting order, to experiment with their options for the future. Players like Towhid Hridoy and Mahmudullah will need to step up if Bangladesh is to have any chance of preventing a clean sweep.
Probable Playing XI
India:
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson (wk)
- Suryakumar Yadav (C)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Tilak Verma
- Rinku Singh
- Washington Sundar
- Harshit Rana
- Arshdeep Singh
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Mayank Yadav
Bangladesh:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)
- Litton Das (wk)
- Towhid Hridoy
- Mahmudullah
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Mahedi Hasan
- Parvez Hossain Emon
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Taskin Ahmed
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib
- Rakibul Hasan
Key Players to Watch
India
Suryakumar Yadav: The Indian captain has been in sublime form, scoring consistently throughout the series. His ability to innovate and play unorthodox shots has made him one of the most dangerous batters in T20 cricket. Yadav’s leadership has also been impressive, and even if India opts to rest him for the final game, his influence will remain pivotal.
Rinku Singh: Rinku Singh has been a revelation in this series, showcasing his ability to take the attack to the opposition and finish games strongly. His aggressive batting style in the middle order has given India the necessary firepower, and he will be eager to continue his form in the final game.
Bangladesh
Najmul Hossain Shanto: The Bangladesh captain has had a problematic series so far but will be crucial to his team’s chances in the final game. As the leader, Shanto needs to anchor the innings and give his side a fighting chance with the bat. A big score from him could turn things around for Bangladesh.
Mustafizur Rahman: Bangladesh’s premier bowler has been their standout performer, using his variations effectively to trouble the Indian batters. His role in the death overs will be critical, and Bangladesh will hope that Mustafizur can deliver with wickets at crucial stages to restrict India’s batting.
Match Prediction
Given India’s dominant performances in the first two matches and the depth in their squad, they enter the final T20I as clear favourites. Bangladesh will be keen to avoid a whitewash, but their struggles with both bat and ball make them the underdogs in this contest.
Prediction: India will win, completing a 3-0 series sweep.
