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The Dubai International Stadium pitch has traditionally assisted seamers, benefiting pacers like Shami, who can exploit seam movement and variations. (X)
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At the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday, February 20, India will play Bangladesh to begin their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign. India may need to change their approach with a team full of five spinners because the conditions in Dubai are predicted to be favourable for pace bowlers.
Even without pace leader Jasprit Bumrah, India is still a strong force in the fast-bowling division. The last England series showcased the abilities of Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana, while Hardik Pandya's versatility gives the attack even more depth.
Bangladesh is struggling in the 50-over format, while India comes into the Champions Trophy with winning momentum. Due to their recent series of struggles, including back-to-back losses to Afghanistan and the West Indies, the Tigers' status in the ICC ODI rankings has suffered. Bangladesh will be keen to turn the tide and establish its place among cricket's elite since its reputation is on the line. They might need to make a big statement against India to win back their supporters' trust and quiet their detractors.
India Playing XI: Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), and Rohit Sharma (c) are most likely in the starting lineup.
Bangladesh Probable XI: Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Sakib.
Pitch report :
The ground at Dubai International Stadium has historically aided seamers, which helps pacers like Shami who can make use of seam movement and variations. Spinners are anticipated to be used as the game goes on, though. India would probably include Shami and Arshdeep in the playing XI along with three spinners.
Weather report :
Overcast conditions will be prevalent throughout the day, according to AccuWeather. The temperature will be comfortable for playing, starting at 26°C in the morning and rising to 27°C in the afternoon. Under the lights, swing bowlers may benefit from the predicted 23°C temperature drop in the evening and the lingering heavy cloud cover. All eyes will be on India's bowling combination as they begin their Champions Trophy quest and whether they can adapt to the conditions to win the first game of the season.