Shoriful Islam Out; Bangladesh's Strongest XI For 1st T20I Vs India

Bangladesh will face India in 3 T20Is [Source: Screengrab/@mdshamsuddoha41/X]Bangladesh will face India in 3 T20Is [Source: Screengrab/@mdshamsuddoha41/X]

After suffering a gut-wrenching two-nil defeat in the Test series, Bangladesh will take on India in the first match of the T20I leg at Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior. Led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, the Tigers had a forgettable time in the Test series, as the hosts registered a clean sweep. After winning the first Test by a whopping 280-run margin, India forced a result in the rain-affected Kanpur Test, securing a convincing win on the final day. 

So, considering they failed to live up to the expectations in Tests, Bangladesh must be eyeing redemption in the T20I leg. As they gear up to take on Suryakumar Yadav-led India, let's analyse and find out their most potent combination for the first T20I. 

Litton, Tanzid And Shanto To Form Bangladesh's Top Order

Experienced batter Litton Das, who struck a fighting 54-run knock in Bangladesh's final T20I appearance against Afghanistan, will open the batting alongside the dynamic Tanzid Hasan Tamim. These batters are excellent players of fast bowling and can be a headache for India in the powerplay. 

The stylish batting duo will be followed by Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh's renowned number three batter. Despite blowing hot and cold in Tests, Shanto is an outright match-winner in white-ball cricket. 

Mahmudullah And Towhid Hridoy: Bangladesh's Go-To Men In Middle Order

Towhid Hridoy, who enjoyed stellar success in the BPL 2024, will likely be promoted to number four, as he can be Bangladesh's best bet in the middle overs. Besides rotating the strike frequently, the stylish right-handed batter can pressurise the Indian bowlers with his scintillating stroke play. 

Hridoy will likely be followed by veteran allrounder Mahmudullah, the backbone of Bangladesh's middle-order. Hailed for his incredible game awareness, Mahmudullah will play as a finisher. Explosive batter Jaker Ali will also find a place in the playing XI, as he can ensure a fitting finish for the visitors. 

No Place For Shoriful; Taskin To Spearhead Bangladesh's Rampant Bowling Unit

Talented spin-bowling allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be slotted at number seven, playing a vital role with bat and ball. Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, Bangladesh's most successful bowler in the T20 World Cup 2024, will pose a serious threat to the Indian batting unit with his wily variations in the middle overs. 

Considering Shoriful Islam recently picked up an injury, Bangladesh won't likely rush him to the cricket field. Also, Taskin Ahmed forms their first-choice T20I bowling attack alongside Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Mustafizur Rahman. So, these three pacers should feature in the first T20I against India, with Shoriful warming the bench. 

Bangladesh's Strongest XI For 1st T20I Vs India

Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman