New Delhi: India will take on hosts Bangladesh in the 2016 Asia Cup opener on Wednesday at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur in Dhaka.
The T20I giants are looking to have a continuity in their performances and Bangladesh will be hoping to prevent their opponent's confidence flowing. The Tigers have been a formidable force at home and will want to shift their ODI form into T20I. They have plenty of experienced players in the squad with a blend of youngsters, and that will be a testing element for the Indians.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is likely to miss out for the Indians with back spasm and Parthiv Patel will replace the senior player. The match is expected to be a big game given the conditions and the form of both sides.
India have played just two games against the Tigers in T20 format and have emerged victorious on both occasions.
Here is one players to watch out for from each side ahead of the first T20I in Dhaka.
Virat Kohli (India): The classy batsman will be eager to continue his rich form in this format. Kohli helped India blank Australia 3-0 in the T20 series last month and scored runs aplenty. Kohli's reading of the game and ability to hit boundaries will be a major factor for India in the tie. Kohli is known for rotating the strike well and that will be a key feature in this game. Kohli was rested against Sri Lanka and will be a lot fresher. His leadership attributes will be vital in the absence of Dhoni on Wednesday.
Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh): The fearless youngster will once again look to be the thorn in the Indian batting. Last year he excelled in the ODI series against India at home and helped his side win. This time it will be no different. Mustafizur's ability to mix up the deliveries alongside his ability to hit consistency, will be important for Bangladesh. Mustafizur has been backed by his skipper Mashrafe Mortaza to produce a fine spell, and the left-arm pacer holds the key for the Tigers upfront. He will be hoping to get early wickets and fulfill the role like that of Ashish Nehra in the Indian side.
