Asia Cup Hockey 2013: India take on Bangladesh in dead rubber

Indian hopes will once again be pinned on skipper Sardar Singh

India are already through to the semi-finals of Asia Cup 2013, but will prefer to keep winning habits as they take on Bangladesh in their final group game of Pool B on Wednesday.

After securing two wins in as many matches against Oman and defending champions South Korea respectively, the Indians are high on confidence but would like to guard against complacency ahead of the semi-finals.

A win against Bangladesh will ensure India heads Pool B, which means they will most likely face hosts Malaysia in the semi-finals and avoid arch-rivals Pakistan.

On paper, defeating Bangladesh shouldn’t be a problem for Roelant Oltmans’s side as the Bangladeshis come into this match on the back of two defeats. A 2-4 loss against Oman, a side which is five places below them in the world rankings, was shocking for the Tigers.

The Sardar Singh-led Indian midfield was at its best against Korea. India’s weak back-line too finally managed to hold their own against relentless attacks from the South Koreans on Monday.

The inexperienced forward line of Mandeep Singh, Nithin Thimmaiah, Malak Singh, and Ramandeep Singh managed to rise to the occasion too.

PR Sreejesh was in brilliant form against Korea as he bailed out his defence on many occasion, showing clearly why he was India’s No.1 goalkeeper.

A look at the head-to-head record reveals that the Indians are expected to hammer the Bangladeshis on Wednesday. India have defeated Bangladesh 18 times in 19 matches, with one draw.