With Sri Lanka having being eliminated from their own tournament, India and Bangladesh will contest Sunday’s Tri-Series final.
While Sri Lanka may lament what might have been, Bangladesh and India are set to battle it out in a finale that crowns a captivating seven-match series. This series was anything but one-sided and certainly deserves a spectacular conclusion.
India bring experience from numerous finals and understand exactly what it takes to triumph. For Bangladesh, though no strangers to high stakes, this final demands their absolute best performance yet.
Bangladesh v India | Sunday, 18 March | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 15:30
Win Match Odds
Bangladesh 49/20
Tie 35/1
India 31/100
Tie 35/1
India 31/100
Bangladesh powered their way to the final with two determined wins over hosts Sri Lanka. Their resilience will be tested again against the stronger Indians, who have consistently been tough opponents. The Tigers need to stay sharp and composed to meet the physical and mental demands of this high-stakes clash.
Although Shakib Al Hasan’s recent return from injury had limited impact, his veteran skills with both bat and ball will be invaluable in the final. Bangladesh bowlers must be ruthless this time, not letting India’s deep batting lineup off the hook as in previous matches.
Winning the toss will almost certainly mean fielding first due to the pitch conditions favouring high-scoring chases. Bangladesh will rely heavily on their strengths in pursuit.
India
India have dominated Bangladesh in T20Is without defeat. However, Sunday’s final presents Bangladesh with perhaps their best chance for a breakthrough. India’s young contingent has stepped up admirably in the absence of senior stars like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah.
Washington Sundar, the teenage spin sensation, has been a standout performer. His skills and maturity will be crucial against Bangladesh’s top batsmen such as Liton Das and Tamim Iqbal.
The pace trio of Vijay Shankar, Jaydev Unadkat, and Shardul Thakur have shown promise, particularly under the guidance of their rested spearheads. Meanwhile, wrist spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is keen to impress and secure his place ahead of Kuldeep Yadav.
Verdict: India 31/100
India are tipped to clinch their eighth consecutive T20I win over Bangladesh, taking home the Tri-Series trophy and continuing their strong form towards the upcoming World Twenty20.
Follow us on Twitter for live updates, match previews, fixtures, and results.
