Indian capital New Delhi now is one of the most polluted city of the world .Yet the first match of the eagerly awaited three matches T20 series between two formidable foes takes off tomorrow. In recent times short of Tsunami has struck Bangladesh cricket.

One controversial BCB director got arrested for allegedly pioneering Casino culture in top sporting club. Players revolted against BCB , Bangladesh T20 and test captain and one of the top all rounder ever to play cricket Shab Al Hasan got two years suspended ban from all forms of cricket. Luckily there has been truce between players and establishment. Bangladesh squad minus Shakib and Tamim are now in Delhi ready for locking horns against formidable India defying dusty and dirty environment.

In recent times, Bangladesh India match in limited over cricket creates nerve wrecking and hair raising excitements. The series starting tomorrow may not be different. Led by veteran Mahmudullah Riad depleted Bangladesh squad still possess enough quality and fire power for creating contests. Moreover, the excellent blend of youth and experienced would be turbo charged to play for their favorite missing mate Shakib Al Hasan.

Bangladesh Squad:

MahmudullahRiad, LitonDas ,NaeemShiekh, SoumyaSarkar , Mushfiqur Rahim, AfifHossain, MosaddeqHossain, Taijul Islam, Aminul Islam, Arafat Sani, Al Amin Hossain, MustafizurRahman , Shafiul Islam, Abu HaidarRony, Abu JayedRahi.

Indian Sqaud:

Rohit Sharma(Capt), Shikhar Dhawan,, KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant(wk), Washington Sundar, Krunal Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, Rahul Chahar, Deepak Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed, Shivam Dube and Shardul Thakur.

A first look at the squads give instant reaction that these matches well. India is without their icons Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni . Bangladesh does not have Shakib and Tamim. India also do not have ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

This is not the first time Bangladesh is appearing in an international contest without Shakib or Tamim . But judged on recent form and fitness loss of Shakib can hurt any team. Tamim however was not at its own for a while. The performance of Bangladesh will largely depend which Soumya and Liton appear at top order and how experienced Musfique hold the batting together.  In Mahmudullah, Naiem Shiekh , Afif , Mosaddeq Bangladesh has enough fire power . Bangladesh though would miss all round ability of Shakib and Saifuddin.

On the other hand two of the most explosive batsmen in limited over formats Raohit and Shikhar gives India edge over Bangladesh. It is to be seen how Mustafiz and Al Amin castle them. KL Rahul, Shresh Ayer, Rishab Pant and Manish Pandey may explode if Bangladesh bowlers and fielders can not restrict them.

India has so many options, so many quality T20 batsmen exploding in IPL in the past. Bangladesh spinners Taijul and Arafat Sunny have to contain them. I do not think Sharul Thakur , Khallel Ahmed with their pace can cause much worry. But Bangladesh has to be cautious against Chahal, Washingtonn Shundar and Chahar brothers.

We are not very sure New Delhi is now the right place for any sporting activity. But once settled it is not possible to alter venue at the last moment. Ambient Air quality is terribly poor and there is no way anything can be done to improve this. Hope the match would create great excitement. The fumes would fire and great series would be launched.

India starts favorite but Bangladesh is not far behind. It may be a photo finish tomorrow. Teams are evenly matched. Team holding nerves will push their nose in front.

BDST: 1759 HRS, NOV 02, 2019

AH