Bangladesh fans hold their breath as their favourite Tigers prepare to take on India in Sunday’s Asia Cup final. The red and green faithful are buzzing with anticipation, as they look confident of continental supremacy following convincing wins in three straight games, including victories against the likes of Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Let us have a look at the key battles that may decide the outcome of the match.
Rohit Sharma vs Al-Amin Hossain
The Indian opener has a habit of picking up runs against the Tigers in T20s, never failing to score a decent total to say the least. When the sides met in the group stages, Rohit smashed 83 off 55 to lead his team to a victory, but it was brought to an end by young Bangladesh sensation Al-Amin Hossain. In the absence of Mustafizur Rahman, Chandika Hathurusingha’s boys will look up to Al-Amin to do the early damage, who bagged three wickets in that group match.
Virat Kohli vs Taskin Ahmed
Skipper Kohli managed only seven in that group stage match against their final opponents, but has made 49 and an unbeaten 56 in his next two innings, bagging back-to-back man-of-the-match awards. He is one the leading run makers in this year’s Asia Cup and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza’s boys will need to make sure he does not get the time to get set for a big innings. Youngster Taskin, alongside Al-Amin will be tasked to contain the Indian captain and his fellow batsmen. Taskin could not claim one in that match, he has been impressive in the next matches.
Ashish Nehra vs Tamim Iqbal
Nehra was the tormentor-in-chief for the Tigers, bagged three wickets, something he will be keen to emulate Sunday as well. But Nehra is not unplayable, and a certain Tamim Iqbal on his day may destroy any bowling attack. He could not score big following his return after a brief parental leave, but he will be hungry for a big score.
Ravichandran Ashwin vs Mahmudullah
India’s spin attack will be led by Ashwin, who was the man-of-the-match when the sides met in World T20 two years back. But as long as a determined Mahmudullah is on the pitch, Bangladesh has hopes of turning the table. The middle-order batsman has an affinity for big occasions and Ashwin and his team-mates need to have special plans to contain Bangladesh’s ‘Mr Finisher’.
Source : prothom-alo
