Subhayan Chakraborty in Dubai
India continued their dominant run in the Asia Cup 2025, brushing aside Pakistan in the Super 4 stage with a commanding six-wicket victory. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian side showcased their batting prowess, overcoming some fielding lapses to outclass Salman Agha’s Pakistan team for the second time in a week. Having already defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the group stage, India’s focus now shifts to their next challenge: Bangladesh, who are coming into the clash on the back of a stellar win against Sri Lanka in the first Super 4 encounter.
The highly anticipated India-Bangladesh clash in the Super 4 is set for Wednesday and it’s a pivotal encounter for both teams. A win for India would virtually secure their spot in the final. For Bangladesh, the equation is similar.
India’s journey in the Asia Cup has been near flawless. They bossed Group A, crushing hosts UAE by nine wickets, dismantling Pakistan with a seven-wicket win, and overcoming a spirited Oman by 21 runs. Their Super 4 opener against Pakistan further highlighted their batting depth and composure, securing a six-wicket triumph. With Abhishek Sharma blazing at a strike-rate of nearly 210 and Shubman Gill elevating his game to a strike-rate of 158, India’s batting unit fired on all cylinders.
Bangladesh, however, face a daunting task. Their T20I record against India is dismal, with just one win in 17 encounters and no victories in multi-national tournaments. The Tigers’ preparations have been hampered by injury concerns, as captain Litton Das suffered a back strain during practice at the ICC Academy in Dubai, cutting his batting session short. Despite the hype surrounding India matches, particularly on social media, Bangladesh’s T20I form remains a concern, with their batting unit lacking the firepower to dominate India’s bowling attack.
Bangladesh’s key batters, Litton Das (strike-rate 129+) and Towhid Hridoy (strike-rate 124+), have struggled to match the explosiveness of India’s top order. The gulf in batting quality is stark, and Bangladesh’s hopes may hinge on their bowling unit restricting India to a chaseable total of around 150-160.
Also Read: India vs Bangladesh: The New Asian Derby
Bangladesh’s bowling attack, featuring pacers Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib, alongside spinners Rishad Hossain (leg-break) and Mahedi Hasan (off-spin), offers a glimmer of hope. Mustafizur, with his IPL-honed variations and death-bowling skills, could pose challenges for India’s batters, particularly in the middle and late overs. If Bangladesh can force India to bat first and stifle their scoring through spin in the middle-overs, the match could be competitive.
The backdrop to this cricket clash is the strained diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh following the toppling of the Sheikh Hasina government. The BCCI’s decision to postpone a white-ball series originally scheduled for August 2025 to 2026, underscores the tension. On the field, however, India remain overwhelming favorites.
While T20 cricket’s unpredictable nature and Bangladesh’s good spin attack could offer a chance for an upset, India’s batting depth and form make them the clear frontrunners. Bangladesh’s best strategy will be to exploit their bowling strengths, particularly Mustafizur’s variations and the spin duo of Rishad and Mahedi, to keep India’s total within reach. However, overcoming India’s in-form openers and disciplined bowling unit will be a tall order.
As the Asia Cup Super 4 clash approaches, all eyes will be on whether Bangladesh can defy the odds or if India will continue their march towards the final with another commanding performance.
Follow Revsportz for latest sports news