Asia Cup 2018: Is Bangladesh an easy pushover for India in the final?

5. Bangladesh – The chokers against India

Karthik spoiled the party last time

Bangladesh have lost so many close matches against India in the recent past, though in a different format of the game. In the world T20 match in Bangalore, Bangladesh needed just 2 runs to win and 1 to tie with 3 balls remaining. Mushfiqur Rahim celebrated prematurely before Bangladesh somehow managed to lose 3 wickets in the last 3 balls and ended up losing by 1 run.

In the Nidahas trophy final in Colombo, India were down and out needing 34 runs in 2 overs. Bangladesh thought they had it covered this time around. Once again the celebrations started happening.

Then came Dinesh Karthik, who smacked 22 runs in the 19th over. Needing 5 runs to win off the last ball, Karthik smashed a six over extra cover leaving Bangladesh were heartbroken yet again.

Though these results were achieved in the T20 formats, it will be fresh in memory for the Bangladesh players and will play on the minds of the players if the final goes down to the wire.

6. Bangladesh’s poor record against India in one-day matches

Bangladesh have so far played 33 matches against India and won only 5 of those matches with a poor winning percentage of 15. Their notable victory against India in one-day matches was in the World Cup 2007 which saw India returning home after the group stage itself. In the last 10 one day matches against India, Bangladesh has won only 2.

Team India have dominated Bangladesh in the past in the one-day internationals. They will hold the psychological advantage going into the final.

Compared to Bangladesh, Pakistan have a much better overall record against India in one-day matches, especially in the finals of various tournaments.