Twenty20 World Cup / Ed Hawkins / 05 June 2009 /

Ed Hawkins wonders whether Bangladesh can stun MS Dhoni's India as the world champions begin the defence of their T20 title under the lights at Trent Bridge

Team news

In a surprise move, the whole Indian team turned up at a press conference on Friday to deny reports of a rift between senior players. The skipper, MS Dhoni, read out a short statement claiming the team was "as good as it has ever been with each individual supporting each other on and off the field."

Talk is cheap and if there are problems within the camp then the place which they will surface is out on the field, starting against Bangladesh at Trent Bridge on Saturday.
It is unlikely there is a rift, though. India have looked a tight unit in their warm-up matches and had there been problems they would surely not have beaten Pakistan with such ease.

Their biggest concern is injuries. Both opener Virender Sehwag and paceman Zaheer Khan are doubts with shoulder injuries. They have a more than adequate replacement for Sehwag in the form of Rohit Sharma while Praveen Kumar could come in for Zaheer.

Bangladesh have tried four different opening combinations in warm-ups. Tamin Iqbal is certain to bat at No 1 while in pole to be his partner appears to be Junaid Siddique.

Conditions

It is important to be aware that under lights at Trent Bridge, swing bowlers could enjoy themselves. In the five 50-over floodlit internationals played in Nottingham three have been won by the side batting first. The other two matches resulted in wins for the side batting second but they were chasing small totals. Light rain is forecast.

Match odds

India, the favourites to win the World Twenty20, are as skinny as [1.16] to get off to a winning start while Bangladesh are [6.80]. With the market as it is, Bangladesh have to be backed with a view to laying off in the hope that over the potential 240 balls, they will shorten up.

The toss looks crucial with the potential for swing under lights and although if Bangladesh were chasing they would be vulnerable to a poor batting display, their confidence levels would rise if they were to bat first.

Bangladesh have performed creditably in their warm-ups - they made 181 against Australia - and are unlikely to fear India. Don't forget they dealt them a terrible blow by sending them packing from the previous 50-over World Cup.

If they are to reduce their odds - let alone spring a surprise - one of their gun players must produce. Mohammad Ashraful, the batsman, and Mashrafe Mortaza, are fine performers while the all-rounder Shakib Al-Hasan is a potential star of the tournament.

Top batsman

Mahmudullah, the 23-year-old right-hander, will be the value as Any Other Batsman once the Bangladesh market has settled. He has top scored three times in warm-ups in England and also made a fifty versus the Netherlands. Gautam Gambhir, at [3.70], is India's favourite. Look out for Suresh Raina and Sharma, however.

Featured market

Scoring trends suggest first-innings totals of 155-160 in this tournament so factor that in to any match runs line. Laying under 300 could be an option because of the potential for swing.

Ed Hawkins says back Bangladesh at [6.80] with a view to trade

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