Jos Buttler will play a key role for England [Source: AP]
On Thursday, hosts Bangladesh will lock horns with England in the first T20I of the three-match series. Both teams will look to gain an upper-hand in the series by winning this face-off, scheduled in Chattogram.
Team Preview: Bangladesh
Regarded as a force to reckon with in home conditions, Bangladesh suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Englishmen in the ODI series.
Bangladesh won the final ODI in Chattogram [Source: AP]
While they fell prey to Dawid Malan's batting masterclass in the first game, Jason Roy's sensational knock and stupendous bowling efforts from Adil Rashid and Sam Curran saw them getting crushed in the subsequent fixture in Dhaka.
However, the hosts salvaged their pride by getting the better of England in the dead rubber in Chattogram, thanks to Shakib Al Hasan's all-round brilliance. So, moving on to this game, Bangladesh would like to carry the momentum forward and go one-nil up in the series.
Team Preview: England
Although the scoreline reflects a 2-1 victory in favour of England, we are convinced that they weren't at their absolute best in the ODI series.
England won the ODI series by 2-1 [Source: AP]
Considering the kind of lineup they have, the Three Lions were expected to dominate the home team, which they clearly failed to achieve in the 50-over leg.
However, we might witness a completely rejuvenated English side in this T20I series, as they are coming on the back of a triumphant World Cup campaign.
While they will definitely miss Alex Hales and Harry Brook, the likes of Phil Salt and Ben Duckett will focus on cementing their places in the T20I setup, performing admirably in the series.
It will also be a comeback series for Jofra Archer, who recently enjoyed stellar success in the inaugural SA20 season.
Match Details
Date and Time: March 9, 02.30 PM IST
Venue: Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
Live Streaming: FanCode App
Pitch Report: The surface in Chattogram will be typically sub-continental, assisting spinners throughout the day. As it's a day game, batting will likely get difficult with time. So, the toss-winner might opt to bat first.
Probable Playing XIs
Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan (C), Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan (WK), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud/Rejaur Rahman Raja
England: Jos Buttler (C/WK), Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Dawid Malan, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Rehan Ahmed, Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer/Mark Wood, Adil Rashid, Chris Jordan
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keepers: Jos Buttler
Batters: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Phil Salt, Dawid Malan
All-Rounders: Shakib Al Hasan, Sam Curran, Moeen Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Bowlers: Adil Rashid, Chris Jordan/Jofra Archer (if he plays), Taskin Ahmed
Captain: Jos Buttler
Vice-Captain: Shakib Al Hasan
To check the live score, click here.
Prediction
England look more formidable than Bangladesh and will likely emerge victorious in this face-off.
 "Debashis Sarangi")
