Champions Trophy: Will geopolitics lend extra fizz to the India–Bangla clash?

An India–Bangladesh contest, especially in the white ball format, has generated huge hype on the other side of the border for almost a decade-and-a-half now.

However, the current geopolitics of the region — with anti-India rhetoric reaching fever pitch in Bangladesh — will likely ensure the vibes of a full-fledged Subcontinental derby when the tigers clash in the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai on Thursday, 20 February.

If there is one thing that could play dampener on the day of the match — which acts as a prelude to the battle royale between India and Pakistan next Sunday, 23 February — it could be the surprise rains that greeted one on arrival at the swanky desert venue on Tuesday, 18 February.

It’s been hardly half a drizzle so far and there are no rains forecast on match day, but then, unseasonal rains have become quite a regular feature in the UAE for the last few years.

Nazimul Hasan Shanto, the Bangladesh captain, put up a brave face before leaving the home shores, saying that they were in it to win their first major ODI title. This, despite the team missing out on veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan (barred from bowling in international cricket because of his ‘suspect’ action) and opener Liton Das (due to his indifferent form).

The void left by Tamim Iqbal, the dashing opener who has formally called it curtains in international cricket during Bangla’s last franchise league, is also a gaping one. He, Shakib and Mushfiqur Rahim were the ones who dealt India vital blows in their famous win in the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean.

The disparity between the two teams’ strengths may look stark on paper, but what makes Bangladesh a more potent force at the ‘neutral’ venue of Dubai is the assurance of the vociferous fan presence. Their numbers — and volume — promise to equal the Indians at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Add to that the presence of a number of ‘tigers’ at the Dubai International Airport — the official Bangla fans have turned up with their stuffed tiger mascots to liven things up on the day.

What may keep the Bangladesh camp worried, though, is the way their batters capitulated in the only warm-up game in Dubai, where they were skittled out by the Pakistan Shaheens at the ICC Academy grounds for 202, with tweaker Usama Mir’s leg spin dismissing four of their batters effortlessly. 

Opting to bat first, Bangladesh had rustled up 60 for 2 wickets, as opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Shanto fell cheaply for 6 and 12, respectively. After 20 overs, Bangladesh was crawling at 104 for 3, as Soumya Sarkar was run out just as he was starting to look good at 35.

Their innings finally lost its way good and proper when, after 30 overs, they were left at 140 for 7.

Veterans Mushfiqur Rahim and Jaker Ali also failed to impress, with scores of 7 and nought.

It was finally a tidy 44 by all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz and the 30 from Tanzim Hasan Sakib that made sure Bangladesh managed to cross the 200-run mark.

Now, looking ahead: After playing their first match against India, Bangladesh will travel to Rawalpindi, Pakistan, to play against New Zealand and the hosts on 24 and 27 February, respectively.