Harmanpreet Kaur returns as Bangladesh bat first in an all-important clash

While India’s record against Bangladesh is top-notch, with 19 wins and three losses, they would want to be wary of Bangladesh, who have a tendency to upset sides. Back in 2018, at the same tournament, Bangladesh beat India twice, lifting the title. 

However, on July 26 (Friday), India didn’t get off to the greatest of starts, with Bangladesh winning the toss and opting to bat first. Nigar Sultana, at the toss, emphasised that her side wants to put up a big total on board and challenge the Women in Blue. 

Given that it is an afternoon game, the dew factor won’t be as obvious. 

Win record at the venue: 

Teams batting first: 5

Teams batting second: 7

Only five teams have won batting first here at the venue, so why did Sultana want to bat first? 

Here is what the two captains said at the toss: 

Bangladesh’s skipper Nigar Sultana: We want to bat first. The wicket looks good. We have played two games here, the ball was coming onto the bat nicely. We want to bat freely. 2018 was a long time back. They (India) have been playing well. We need to work on our batting unit. If we perform collectively, we'll put up a good show. We have one change.

India’s skipper Harmanpreet Kaur: We have played really good cricket so far. Today also we want to back ourselves. Powerplay is always important whether you are batting first or second. They are a good side, they always good competition. For us, we need to focus on what we've been doing so far. We have a few changes.

What are the changes and playing XI for both teams

India Women (Playing XI): Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Uma Chetry, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh(w), Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav, Tanuja Kanwar, Renuka Thakur Singh

Multiple changes for India - Uma Chetry in for Dayalan Hemalatha, Harmanpreet Kaur in for S Sajana and Pooja Vastrakar for Arundhati Reddy

Bangladesh Women (Playing XI): Dilara Akter, Murshida Khatun, Nigar Sultana(w/c), Rumana Ahmed, Ishma Tanjim, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter, Jahanara Alam, Marufa Akter

One change for Bangladesh - Marufa Akter in for Sabikun Jesmin

Here's how the pitch is set to behave

We are back on pitch number four. This is where the batters enjoyed themselves. Lots of runs scored here. Weather - it's hot. There's a little bit of grass and greenness about this surface. It's an even surface - no wear and tear. It's a really good surface for the batters. The ball gets on nicely to the bat. 59m boundary will be easy. Spinners will win the game. It's going to be spinners vs batters. It might have some turn because it's been reused.

What's at stake?

The winner of this contest will take on the winner of Sri Lanka vs Pakistan in the Women's Asia Cup T20 final at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla, on July 28 (Sunday). India are the defending champions and the most successful team in the tournament, having won the title on seven occasions.

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