Mehidy At 3, Tanzid Out? Bangladesh's Strongest XI For Champions Trophy Opener Vs India

Bangladesh strongest XI Vs India [Source: @OptaJim/X.com]

The wait for the Champions Trophy is over as the buzz has started for yet another ICC tournament. The 15-day long event will commence with Pakistan taking on New Zealand on February 19, and India colliding with Bangladesh in a blockbuster clash on February 20 at the Dubai International Stadium.

India Vs Bangladesh in recent years has been a fiery rivalry with both teams giving it their all. Bangladesh will start the match as underdogs against India, but they do have an interesting squad which could cause trouble for India. Here is Bangladesh's strongest XI for clash Vs India.

Mehidy Miraz promoted, Tanzid Hasan dropped?

Tanzid Hasan has had an average ODI career, as the batter only averages 20.65 in 21 matches. The batter has plethora of talent, but has failed to justify it at the highest level. As a result, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto could come in as an opener alongside Soumya Sarkar.

In recent matches, and even in the Bangladesh Premier League, Mehidy Hasan Miraz was batting at the top of the order, and the Tigers could come up with the game-plan to promote him at number 3. He has all the technique in the world to survive against new ball and has a wonderful track record against India, averaging 46.

Mushfiqur at 5, Jaker Ali as finisher?

With Mehidy at 3, Towhid Hridoy will bat at number 4, and it'll mean team's most experienced batter, Mushfiqur Rahim to bat at number 5. Just like Mehidy, he too, boasts an impeccable record against India, scoring 703 runs.

The Bangladesh team in the last few months have shown a lot of trust in Jaker Ali, and he could play the role of a finisher in the team, batting at number 7. That would mean, Mahmudullah, another veteran will play in the team, and will bat at number 6.

X-factor to trouble India?

Rishad Hossain will be the second spinner in the lineup alongside Mehidy and could be the X-factor Vs India. The Indian batters in the squad are mostly right-handed batters and Rishad's leg-spin bowling could cause trouble for them, and hence, his 10-overs could potentially decide the outcome of the match.

The Tigers will also go in with three-man pace attack, with Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana and Taskin Ahmed in the side. Mustafizur has done well with India, and Nahid has the pace and bounce to trouble the Indian batters.

Bangladesh strongest XI Vs India

Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana

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