The gulf in quality between India and Bangladesh in the 50-over format seems to be narrowing with time. It is reflected in the statistics, although Bangladesh is still by far the weaker team, as is expected from a relatively ‘new’ cricketing nation. It’s always a ‘David versus Goliath’ scenario whenever the two teams face off, and Bangladesh’s victories — always momentous due to their rarity – are usually memorable.
Out of five victories against its big neighbour, three have been garnered in the 2010s. The first of them surprised many across the globe for reasons entirely separated from the result of the contest. Sachin Tendulkar scored his 100th century in international cricket in the Asia Cup in Mirpur in the 2011-12 season. India, however, went on to lose that match, having set Bangladesh a target of 290, and failed to qualify for the final of the tournament.
Both the other victories in this decade have arrived in India’s 2015 tour. India lost the One-Day International series, stunned considerably by left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman’s skills with the ball.
In International Cricket Council (ICC) events, the teams have met thrice. Bangladesh defeated India in the 2007 World Cup, facilitating India’s early exit from the tournament, and helping its entry into the Super Six stage. In the opening game of the 2011 World Cup, Virender Sehwag blew Bangladesh away with a whirlwind knock of 175 as India registered a comfortable victory. With an all-round performance, India prevailed in the 2015 quarterfinal, too.
Statistics suggest India defeats Bangladesh eight out of 10 times. But cricket is full of anomalies.
OPTA STATS:
- Bangladesh has won two of its last three ODI matches against India ahead of this contest; this is the first ever encounter between them in the Champions Trophy however.
- Bangladesh has progressed from the Champions Trophy group stage for the first time in its history; it took three points from its three group stage games (W1 L1 NR1).
- This is only the second time in India’s last five appearances at the Champions Trophy that it has managed to progress beyond the group stage; it did go on to win it on that previous occasion though (2013).
- India has alternated between victory and defeat across its last five outings in ODI cricket; beating South Africa last time out.
- Bangladesh comes into this match having won three of its last four ODI matches; including the dramatic five-wicket win last time out in Cardiff against the Black Caps.
- India has won its last four ODI matches in succession at Edgbaston whilst Bangladesh has lost both times it has played there in this format.
- Shikhar Dhawan (India) has posted more runs than any other batsman across the 2013 and 2017 editions of the Champions Trophy (634); doing so at an average of 90.6.
- Shakib Al Hasan is closing in on becoming only the second Bangladesh batsman to reach 5,000 ODI runs (Tamim Iqbal), needing 32 more.
- Virat Kohli is 88 away from reaching 8,000 ODI runs; AB de Villiers got to that milestone in a record 182 innings, Kohli’s next knock will be his 175th.
- Ravichandran Ashwin is close to becoming only the 13th man to take 150 ODI wickets for India; he’s currently on 146.
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