Plot

Shattered glass, ‘cobra’ dance, chaos, acrimony and some riveting cricket — Friday’s virtual semifinal between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh had it all. In the end, it was the poise of Mahmudullah that made all the difference. As did his enterprising 43-run knock, off just 18 balls. Come Sunday, and the Tigers will face a much stiffer challenge. A pumped-up India, who have seldom put a foot wrong since their opening loss to Sri Lanka on March 6, have hit peak form. But, more pertinently, they will go into the summit clash as fresh as the morning lilies. That’s what a three-day break can do to weary bodies. In any case, a cracker of a contest awaits us.

Save for Friday’s untoward happenings, Bangladesh have given a good account of themselves in the Nidahas Trophy. They defeated Sri Lanka on both occasions, but lost to India the same number of times. All India need to do is stage a repeat of any one of their performances after the opening loss and the cup will end up in the hands of skipper Rohit Sharma.

Sharma found some much-needed form with a brilliant 89-run effort in India’s last game against Bangladesh. And with Dhawan already in great nick, India’s job will be half done if the duo can fire in unison. India have also found a hero in the teenaged Washington Sundar, whose use of the new ball has been exemplary. A four-for doesn’t come easy in any format, let alone T20, and Sundar looks set to bag many more such hauls. But can he do it again on Sunday? India will also rely on the guile of Jaydev Unadkat (he missed the last game), the discipline of Shardul Thakur and the diligence of Vijay Shankar. Not to forget the craft of Yuzvendra Chahal.

The middle-order, comprising Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik, Manish Pandey and KL Rahul, have all tasted success in one game or the other in this tournament. It’s important that at least a couple of them fire in the finale.

Bangladesh haven’t been all that consistent against India. That apart, they go into the game on the back of a 0-7 win-loss T20I record against the Men in Blue. Having said that, they are on a high after an emotionally-charged evening against the host nation. It remains to be seen how they negotiate the crowd factor. For all you know, the whole of Sri Lanka — not just those at the R Premadasa Stadium — could be cheering for Team India!

Bangladesh need their senior players to step up. And skipper Shakib Al Hasan tops that list. Docked 25 percent of his match fees after Friday’s controversy, the all-rounder would want to make amends with a good showing against India. Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mustafizur Rahman are the others expected to make a mark in the final.

Acts

Rohit Sharma vs Mustafizur Rahman

The Indian captain let his bat do the talking and smashed the Bangladesh bowlers to all parts of the ground when the teams met on Wednesday. The captain paced his innings to perfection by taking time to settle in before producing those mammoth hits into the stands. ‘The Fizz’ accounted for Rohit in one of the games and the young left-arm quick will be hoping to net the big fish on Sunday too.

Shakib Al Hasan vs himself

Shakib is arguably the greatest cricketer to have played for Bangladesh. There are absolutely no doubts about his skills and commitment. Add to that his 12-plus years in international cricket, and you are dealing with a modern-day marvel. But can he control his emotions? Because if he can’t then India will run away with the game before Shakib — and Bangladesh — even know it.

Mushfiqur Rahim vs Washington Sundar

Young off-spinner Sundar broke the back of the Bangladesh line-up by picking up three wickets in the Powerplay on Wednesday. He is leading wicket-taker in this series with seven scalps in four games.
Rahim, on the other hand, has been Bangladesh’s best batsman in the series. This promises to be an int
eresting contest.