The middle overs of an ODI are often seen as less critical, but India’s recent performance challenges this notion. In preparation for the Champions Trophy, they demonstrated rapid scoring and effective bowling, despite missing Jasprit Bumrah. Conversely, Bangladesh, who have recently faced challenges, boast a strong lineup capable of handling spin, particularly after a successful BPL season. Key players like Nahid Rana are expected to make an impact. Both teams face unique conditions in Dubai, with notable stats highlighting India’s strong batting averages. Overall, the upcoming matches emphasize the importance of the middle overs in shaping outcomes.
The Overview: The Often Overlooked Middle Overs
The middle phase of an ODI can sometimes feel insignificant. Mahela Jayawardene stepped onto the crease at this very juncture during the ODI World Cup final and scored a century. Yet, that’s not the moment he’s most remembered for. Frequently, the overs between 11 and 40 resemble the unexciting filling of a sandwich that could’ve been delightful, overshadowed by the excitement of the innings’ start and the conclusion’s suspense.
Bangladesh may be in a better position to handle a spin test compared to England. Most of their batters recently participated in a high-scoring BPL season. This might indicate that concerns about domestic pitches being too spin-heavy and inadequate for preparation against flatter foreign conditions have been acknowledged. Consequently, this has allowed for the growth of diverse bowling styles, resulting in a more balanced attack no longer solely dependent on slower deliveries.
However, Bangladesh’s last ODI was in December 2024, where they faced a 3-0 loss against West Indies, a team that did not qualify for this Champions Trophy. In their last encounter against India, they conceded 285 runs in just 34.4 overs during a Test and 297 runs in an even shorter span in a T20I.
Recent Performance
India: WWWLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Bangladesh: LLLLW
As he hooked Mark Wood over the boundary, Shreyas Iyer took a moment to celebrate with raised fists. This wasn’t just a celebration of his individual achievement or the team’s triumph. In many respects, it held even greater significance. Earlier in his career, Iyer was often seen as vulnerable against fast short balls. This delivery, coming at 145 kph, was well-executed and earned him six runs. He views this as a validation of his abilities, while others perceive it as an indication of his growth.
Team Updates: A Strong Pace Attack for Bangladesh
Rishabh Pant’s recent knee injury during training raised some concerns, but he doesn’t make it into India’s strongest ODI XI as KL Rahul is the favored wicketkeeper-batter. Mohammed Shami is regaining fitness, although his pace appears slightly below his usual standards. Arshdeep Singh is expected to secure the second seam position ahead of Harshit Rana.
India (likely): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Shubman Gill, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Shreyas Iyer, 5 KL Rahul (wk), 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Mohammed Shami, 11 Arshdeep Singh
Despite some notable absences, including Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das, experienced players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah remain essential for Bangladesh. Tanzid Hasan, who performed excellently in the BPL, will be key at the top of the order.
Bangladesh (likely): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Soumya Sarkar, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Taskin Ahmed, 10 Nahid Rana, 11 Mustafizur Rahman
Pitch and Conditions: A Favorable Environment for Bowlers
Dubai, the venue for all of India’s matches in the Champions Trophy, is not a conventional site for ODI matches involving top teams. The last 50-over match here occurred in March 2024, between Scotland and Canada. Historically, only four totals of 300 or above have been recorded in 58 matches hosted at this venue. The weather appears favorable, and both sides anticipate a pitch slightly on the drier side.
Stats and Trivia: The Importance of Mehidy and Kuldeep
- Since his debut in June 2017, Kuldeep Yadav has proven to be the most effective bowler in the middle overs of ODI cricket, taking 139 wickets at an average of 27.8 and an economy rate of 4.88.
- In the 12 ODIs since the last ODI World Cup, Bangladesh has recorded the lowest middle-over scoring rate in the Champions Trophy at 4.93.
- Since March 2022, among the 56 players who have scored over 1000 runs, Shubman Gill boasts the highest average at 63.4.
- This is the first major tournament since 2004 that Bangladesh will be without Shakib. Mehidy Hasan Miraz has to lead the way, recalling his heroics when he rescued the team from 69 for 6 to win the series against India in 2022.
- Both India and Bangladesh last faced off in an ODI in Dubai in 2018.
Quotes
“He doesn’t bowl too many variations to us in the nets. He bowls just one type of delivery. Maybe, he doesn’t want to show his variations to us, even. But that is a good thing. He has got certain weapons which he wants to just put out there when it actually matters. I am more than happy if he wants to do that.”
Rohit Sharma on Varun Chakravarthy
“I think we always struggle with our seam attack, but last couple of years we have got some quality fast bowlers. We have some fast bowlers, but now we have got Nahid Rana, Taskin the way they are bowling. I think it helps a lot. As a captain, we love to see bowling fast and bowl for the team.”
Najmul Hossain Shanto expressing satisfaction with Bangladesh’s pace options
Alagappan Muthu is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo