The first ODI between India and Bangladesh is scheduled to be played at Dhaka today. After rain disappointed fans during the only Test match between the two sides at Fatullah, some significant respite is expected for the one-day series. To begin with, only a short interruption due to light rain is expected today. Barring this, the match is expected to go through.
Bangladesh has been observing heavy to very heavy rainfall activity since last one week. Most parts of the country received good amounts of rain, including Fatullah, where only 185 overs were possible in the one-off Test match between India and Bangladesh.
But now, some relief is expected for the next three days. A low pressure system in the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring a change in the wind pattern of moist southerly winds which were providing heavy rainfall over the region.
As for the game, both teams have won four out of their last five ODI games. Bangladesh will surely look to take advantage of home conditions but India isn’t far from home either. The Dhaka pitch is generally slow and a bit of dampness can be expected on account of prevailing conditions. The only Test match between the two sides saw India dominating the home side on all accounts. But limited overs cricket is a different ball-game and Bangladesh pack some quality players with the potential to win matches and conjure upsets on a regular basis. But if you have to put your money on one team, side with the men in blue who’ve mastered the art of winning in limited over affairs.
Weather outlook for the three-match series isn't completely promising though. Although the second ODI on Sunday is also expected to go through, rain-scare looms large over the third ODI which is scheduled to be played on Wednesday next week. But despite all this, cricket fans are in for some quality action as chances of washout today remain minimal.
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