Rain and a moist outfield have performed spoilsport within the second Take a look at between India and Bangladesh at Inexperienced Park Stadium, with the climate threatening to derail India’s quest for a spot within the World Take a look at Championship (WTC) remaining. Solely 35 overs have been bowled on Day 1 as Bangladesh struggled to 107/3, with Indian pacer Akash Deep impressing by selecting up two essential wickets. The second day was washed out with no ball being bowled.
Because it stands, India lead the WTC standings with a share factors (PCT) tally of 71.67 after 10 matches, placing them in a major place to make their third consecutive remaining. A 2-0 sequence win over Bangladesh would have left India needing solely three extra wins from their remaining eight matches to safe a spot within the WTC remaining.
Nevertheless, with rain looming massive over the second Take a look at, a draw may complicate India’s path to the ultimate.
Ought to this Take a look at led to a draw, India might want to win 5 of their subsequent eight Take a look at matches to cement their place within the WTC remaining, assuming different contenders for a top-two end don’t drop factors.
This depart India with a more difficult route, as they are going to probably want to wash sweep New Zealand 3-0 at house and safe at the very least two wins within the five-match Border-Gavaskar sequence towards Australia in Down Beneath.
India have received the final two sequence in Australia, however repeating that feat might be a frightening activity, particularly with the strain of WTC qualification hanging over their heads. The group’s dominant file at house, mixed with their latest successes Down Beneath, provides India some confidence, however the margin for error has narrowed significantly if this match is washed out.
The sequence towards New Zealand at house might be pivotal in shaping India’s marketing campaign. Whereas the Indian aspect has been just about unbeatable on house soil, a 3-0 sweep towards the Kiwis is essential to minimize the burden of needing to win a number of video games away in Australia.
Given India’s historical past in Australia, two wins within the Border-Gavaskar sequence would nonetheless be a powerful end result, however the problem is immense.
For now, the Indian camp might be hoping for a break within the rain to permit play to renew in Kanpur. Each session misplaced to the climate may imply India face a extra uphill battle of their journey to the WTC remaining. With a number of proficient bowlers, together with Akash Deep, already making an affect on this match, India will look to capitalise on any alternative to take management of the sport as soon as the climate clears.
The stakes are excessive, and India’s fast focus stays on Bangladesh. Nevertheless, the shadow of WTC qualification looms massive, and the rain-soaked outfield at Inexperienced Park Stadium is including an undesirable layer of complexity to India’s in any other case well-laid plans.
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