Three played, three won. India have started their ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign exactly how they how would have wanted to, registering contrasting but convincing wins in their first three games against Australia, Afghanistan and arch-rivals Pakistan. Carrying on the tradition of hosts doing well in the 50-over World Cup, India are perched on top of the points table at the time of writing this report. The home team would love to stamp their authority on the tournament and make it four in a row when they renew their sub-continental rivalry with Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Thursday. (Scorecard | Live Streaming | Live Blog)
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All three departments have clicked for India so far. When the top-order failed in their opening game against Australia, senior pros Virat Kohli and KL Rahul combined for a record stand to bail India out and take them home. In the high-voltage clash against Pakistan, when the neighbours were looking set for a 300-plus total, the bowlers rose to the occasion and produced a cumulative effort to derail the Pakistan innings.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, have a lot to think about. After a bright start against Afghanistan, The Tigers fell apart against stronger opponents England and New Zealand. Leaking big runs with the ball is a big area of concern, and one which they will look to plug against the formidable Indian batting line-up.
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Let's take a look at three key battles that could shape how the India vs Bangladesh match pans out in Pune:
Mushfiqur Rahim Vs Jasprit Bumrah
Wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim is among the few Bangladeshis to have fired in the World Cup so far. The 36-year-old has a long experience of playing against India and in India, and is a gritty customer. But the challenge will be daunting when India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah runs in to bowl to him. Bumrah has returned from a lengthy injury lay-off almost seamlessly, as if he never went away. He is firing on all cylinders and will surely employ one or more of his several tricks to try and see the back of the Bangladesh veteran.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz Vs Kuldeep Yadav
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the 25-year-old all-rounder from Bangladesh, has made a name for himself as a wily off-spinner, but he has fared better with the bat lately. The right-hander has 248 runs from his last seven games at an average of 41.33, and will be looking to add many more against India. But a rejuvenated Kuldeep Yadav could prove to be a thorn in Mehidy's flesh. Kuldeep has rediscovered his mojo with a tweak in technique and is a certified match-winner for India these days, especially with his wickets in the middle overs. His drift, dip and googly are all proving hard to read and it would be interesting to see how Mehidy, who himself is a smart exponent of spin, tackles it.
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Mustafizur Rahman Vs Shubman Gill
This one could turn out to be a cracker of a contest. The skillful left-arm swing of Mustafizur Rahman against the broad willow of the dengue-recovered Shubman Gill. The 'Fizz', as he is known in cricket circles, takes on the lion's share of seam-up responsibility for Bangladesh as he is their go-to bowler with the new ball as well as at the death. He might have a hard time, though against the talented Shubman, who has dazzled one and all with his free-flowing strokeplay and sublime timing. How this duel plays out at the start of the Indian innings could set the tone for the rest of it.
