As the Indian and Bangladeshi cricket teams prepare to face off in the third and final T20 International at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, weather conditions seem to be taking an unexpected turn. The scorching heat of Delhi has been replaced by the more favorable wet and cooler conditions of Hyderabad. However, the showers are predicted to be the only surprise element on this dead-rubber day. The pitch remains a batsman’s paradise, much like in Delhi, where India managed to further widen the gap between the two teams with an exemplary display of their batting prowess.
With the series victory already assured, India enters this final match with an opportunity to experiment with their squad’s depth. Yet, despite the perceived inconsequence of the match, the Indian team has no intention of compromising on intensity. Known for his steely resolve, Gautam Gambhir, the head coach, along with assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, has emphasized the continued importance of maintaining pressure and striving for excellence, further reflecting on the goal of achieving a decisive “5-0” series sweep.
“The message from Gauti [Gautam Gambhir] is clear—to value each game as an opportunity to represent the nation and test oneself under pressure. There will be no diversion from our goal tomorrow; we’re determined to win and complete a 5-0 series,” Ryan ten Doeschate affirmed.
On the other hand, technical proficiency is at the forefront of Bangladesh’s concerns as they step into this concluding match with significant stakes. A victory remains elusive on this tour, and the first day of the initial Test in Chennai, where their pacers effectively disrupted India’s top order, is still their standout performance. With seasoned player Mahmudullah bidding farewell to the T20I format, Bangladesh will feel the urgency to close the tour on a high note.
Scheduled for October 12, 2024, at 7:00 PM local time, the encounter in Hyderabad promises to be a high-scoring affair, if previous games are anything to go by. Since 2022, the venue has been a stage for 14 T20 events (including IPL matches and T20 Internationals), with an average first innings score of 188, escalating to 199 when resulting in victories. Despite predictions of rain on match day—interfering with India’s practice session the prior evening—the stadium boasts excellent drainage facilities, minimizing potential disruptions.
In preparation, India has made tactical decisions in their team lineup.
. Ryan ten Doeschate has confirmed that Sanju Samson will continue opening the innings, and there is speculation of Harshit Rana, the fast bowler, making his debut. With India’s next T20I fixture scheduled for November 8 in Durban, the likelihood of retaining Hardik Pandya in the team remains high.
India’s probable XI includes: Sanju Samson (w), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Nitish Reddy, Hardik Pandya/Jitesh Sharma, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana. Strategies will likely echo Delhi’s approach, incorporating more overs from part-time bowlers. Abhishek Sharma, who showcased his talent with 324 runs at a remarkable strike rate of over 203 in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s last IPL campaign, is expected to be a key player.
From Bangladesh’s perspective, they might draft in Mahedi Hasan, who had an extensive practice session before the match, into their playing XI. The potential lineup includes: Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das (w), Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali/Mahedi Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Mustafizur Rahman.
Litton Das’s recent form is a matter of concern, with only one fifty-plus score in his last eight innings, yet his ability to aggressively score remains critical for the team.
Did you know?
– Sanju Samson scored an IPL century at this venue in 2019.
– India has emerged victorious in 15 out of the 16 T20I encounters against Bangladesh.
– Mahmudullah wraps up his T20I career with a record 141 appearances.
Reflecting on strategies and conditions, India’s Ryan ten Doeschate remarked, “Delhi offered a sticky pitch, different from the high-scoring expectations here in Hyderabad. We have adapted our play style accordingly.”
Conversely, Nic Pothas, the Bangladesh assistant coach, underlines the development perspective the series offers, “Playing against the world’s leading team entails learning beyond just outcomes. We are preparing for forthcoming tournaments and the end of an era for some of our legends.”
This final T20I not only concludes the current series but also sets the stage for future strategic and player developments for both teams, underscored by a mix of farewells and fresh faces.