IND vs BAN, 2nd T20I: Bangladesh Win Toss, Opt to Bowl as India Aim to Seal Series; Check Playing XIs

New Delhi: A young and confident Indian team will aim to secure a series victory over Bangladesh when the two sides clash in the second T20I on Wednesday in Delhi. After a comfortable seven-wicket win in the first T20I in Gwalior, India enter the match with the upper hand, while Bangladesh will look to recover and stay alive in the series.

Despite the absence of key players like Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah, India’s white-ball squad remains formidable, highlighted by its impressive bench strength. Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and debutants Mayank Yadav delivered promising performances in the first match.

Samson, India’s designated opener for the series, made a strong statement with a quick 29 off 19 balls. Often criticised for inconsistency, Samson will be keen to secure his place as a wicketkeeper-opener, especially in Pant’s absence and the next T20 World Cup two years away. Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma, who showed glimpses of power-hitting, will look to capitalise on his start and convert it into a big score in the second game.

In the bowling department, Mayank Yadav impressed with his pace, while seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy proved his worth. Varun Chakaravarthy’s return added depth to India’s spin options, complementing Washington Sundar and providing balance to the attack.

On the other hand, Bangladesh’s struggles in T20 cricket were evident once again in Gwalior. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto acknowledged the team’s issues, especially in the batting department. Senior players like Litton Das and Mahmudullah must step up if Bangladesh is to challenge India in the second T20I.

While their bowlers showed potential, without a stronger batting effort, even their experienced attack will struggle to defend low totals against India’s powerful lineup.

The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi has been a high-scoring venue, with IPL 2024 matches seeing most innings surpass 200 runs. Clear weather and minimal dew are expected, setting the stage for another run-fest under lights.

Playing XIs

India: Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Nitish Reddy, Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav

Bangladesh: Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das(w), Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman