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After two losses in their first three matches of the ICC World Cup 2023, Bangladesh are gearing up to face India on Thursday in Pune.
One of Bangladesh’s most memorable World Cup victories came against India in 2007, marking the last time Bangladesh defeated India in a World Cup.
Bangladesh have faced India in 40 ODIs to date, and won only eight of them.
As the big match approaches, Bangladesh is anxiously monitoring the fitness of Shakib Al Hasan. The Bangladesh captain's participation is uncertain due to concerns about his thigh muscle injury.
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Khaled Mahmud, the former captain of Bangladesh and a member of the Bangladesh team management, suggested that Shakib is eager to play against India, but the final decision hinges on his fitness.
Shakib boasts an impressive record of 29 wickets in ODIs against India, including a five-for. His presence would be invaluable for Bangladesh.
Sources from Pune confirmed that Shakib engaged in a batting session in the nets for over 45 minutes. However, his participation in the match against India remains uncertain.
Read: ICC World Cup 2023: Preview of IND vs. BAN ODI
Despite Shakib’s formidable track record against India, Paras Mhambrey, India's bowling coach, emphasized that past performances don't dictate outcomes in another World Cup match.
“He is a champion cricketer,” Mhambrey said about Shakib. “But we only focus on our own preparation, execution, and plan. Everything else doesn't matter to us.”
While Bangladesh clinched the last home series against India, their performance in the World Cup thus far provides little impetus for high ambitions against India in Pune.
The Tigers initiated their World Cup campaign with a victory over Afghanistan, but subsequently suffered defeats against England and New Zealand.
In contrast, India has notched up three commendable victories in this World Cup.
Bangladesh’s top-order batting will be under scrutiny in this match, as they are yet to deliver a solid performance in this World Cup. With Tamim Iqbal absent, the opening pair has struggled to meet expectations. The middle-order batting lineup has also proven fragile on several occasions.
Mehdiy Hasan Miraz was seen at number three, with Najmul Hossain Shanto also playing a similar role, suggesting that the team management is grappling with the batting order. Both Najmul and Mehidy are yet to establish their consistency in the World Cup.
Towhid Hridoy, who earned a spot in the World Cup squad with a promising start to his international career, is yet to demonstrate his mettle on the bigger stage.
Conversely, Bangladesh’s bowling lineup appears relatively stronger. The pacers have demonstrated their potential when in form, and the spinners have performed well whenever they've had the opportunity in the World Cup thus far.
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