After thrashing South Africa 3-0 in the Test series, India will take on Bangladesh in the three-match T20I series with the first match to be played on November 3. The Men in Blue have emerged as the cricketing juggernauts and will step into the upcoming series as favourites. On the other hand, Bangladesh will miss the services of their star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan who is serving a two-year ban. Prior to this series, India and Bangladesh locked horns in eight T20Is and every time the Men in Blue emerged victorious. Shakib Al Hasan Banned for Two Years from All Cricketing Activities After Breaching ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

The Bangladesh side have shown a lot of progress in recent times and has also proved their mettle against the big teams. However, defeating India in their own backyard will certainly not be an easy job for the visitors. Bangladesh might not have registered any T20I victory against India but they did manage to put up a great fight and the recent clashes between the two sides also went down to the wire. In the upcoming series, Mahmudullah will lead Bangladesh in Shakib’s absence while Rohit Sharma will hold the reins of the Indian side as Virat Kohli is rested. Meanwhile, let’s look at the last five T20I clashes between the two sides.

India vs Bangladesh – March 19, 2018 – R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo– India won by six wickets

Dinesh Karthik played a blinder and guided India over the line in the finals of Nidahas Trophy 2018. Batting first, Bangladesh scored 166 runs with Sabbir Rahman being the highest run-scorer with 77 runs. In reply, many Indian batsmen got starts but failed to convert it in a big score. The final equation came down to 34 needed off the last two overs and Bangladesh was looking all set to clinch the title. However, Karthik had other plans as he scored 29 runs off just eight deliveries and guided the Men in Blue to a four-wicket victory.

India vs Bangladesh – March 15, 2018 – R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo– India won by 17 runs

In the fifth match of the Nidahas Trophy 2018, India posted 176 runs in the first innings. Skipper Rohit Sharma was the highest run-scorer with 89 runs while Suresh Raina made 47. While chasing, Bangladesh lost wickets upfront and were on the back foot. Wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim made a fightback and notched up a gritty fifty. However, the effort didn’t prove to be enough as Bangladesh fell 17 runs short of the target.

India vs Bangladesh – March 8, 2018 – R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo– India won by six wickets

Another India vs Bangladesh T20I clash was witnessed in the second match of Nidahas Trophy 2018. India won the toss and elected to field first. The decision proved to be fruitful as the Men in Blue put up a clinical performance and restricted the opposition to 139 runs. Jaydev Unadkat was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets. In reply, Shikhar Dhawan slammed a half-century and India comfortably crossed the line with six wickets in hand.

India vs Bangladesh – March 25, 2016 – M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru– India won by one run

The World T20 2016 clash between India and Bangladesh was a nail-bitter where India came on the top. Batting first, India put up a mediocre performance and posted mere 146 runs in the first innings. However, the Men in Blue fought back with the ball and took wickets at regular intervals. However, the equation came down to Bangladesh requiring just two runs from three deliveries and were looking all set to win the match. However, they collapsed and lost the match by one run.

India vs Bangladesh – March 6, 2016 – Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka– India won by eight wickets

Rain played the spoilsport in the 2016 Asia Cup final and the clash became a 15-over encounter. The hosts batted first and piled up 120 runs in the first innings, courtesy a blistering cameo by Mahmudullah. In reply, India lost Rohit Sharma early and the onus was on Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan. The duo piled up a great partnership and took the match away from the opposition. As a result, India clinched the match by eight wickets and lifted the title.

The upcoming series will be a great opportunity for both the teams to identify their best XI and prepare for the ICC World T20 2020. The hosts will start the series as firm favourites and will want to continue their dominance at home. On the other hand, Bangladesh will look to defy the odds and cause an upset.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 30, 2019 03:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).