India has been a solid team in the Champions Trophy this season and is a favourite to reach the final as they take on Bangladesh in the semifinals on Thursday. Bangladesh players, who have already stunned New Zealand in the group stages to qualify for the knockout clash, will be looking to come up with an even better performance in Birmingham.
Pakistan has already booked their spot in the Champions Trophy final after beating hosts England convincingly in the first semifinal. And the dream final between India and Pakistan is truly on.
If Virat Kohli's Team India beat Bangladesh, a super Sunday is in store for cricket lovers.
Here is a look at how the Champions Trophy match could go in Birmingham
If Bangladesh bats first
Tamim Iqbal gets Bangladesh off to a flying start. He is dealing in boundaries though his fellow opening partner Soumya Sarkar is not timing the ball and is also out in the ninth over. Iqbal also completes his half century with a delicious pull shot. With Sabbir Rahman and Tamim at the crease, they score 100 runs in 17 overs.
But, R Ashwin strikes with two quick wickets. He dismisses both Sabbir and Tamim. Ravindra Jadeja, after a few overs, sends Bangladesh batsman Mushfiqur Rahim back into the pavilion. They are in trouble as the score reads 136 for three wickets.
Two batsmen, Mahmudullah and Shakib Al Hasan walk to the crease, and they are looking in great form, especially the left-hander, who has taken the aggressor's role.
Despite losing the wicket of Shakib and Mahmudullah and with some smart bowling from Jasprit Bumrah at the death, Bangladesh scores 296 runs in 50 overs.
The target is not a daunting one for India. Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma continue their great form with the bat. They score runs freely and Bangladesh looks helpless as India score 100 runs by the 13th over itself.
There is no holding back for India as both the openers complete their respective half-centuries. India loses Rohit for 63 runs, but Kohli joins the party. Shikhar completes yet another century with some sparkling boundaries in the off-side.
Shikhar goes for a wild shot immediately after the ton and is held at the deep. However, he has already done his work and new man Yuvraj Singh along with Kohli steer India home.
If India bat first
Shikhar and Rohit are just playing the ball on its merit for a start. But, after they get their eye in, both the openers are playing their shots. They score 140 runs from the first 20 overs with Shikhar and Rohit scoring their respective half centuries.
They press the accelerator and are going big after the bowling, but lose their wicket in the process. Kohli walks in, plays a few shots before being dismissed.
It is Yuvraj and MS Dhoni, who finish the innings well for India as they score a brilliant 320 runs from 50 overs with the former captain scoring 52-ball 70.
Bangladesh is in deep trouble as they lose the first three wickets for just 38 runs. Chasing such a huge target, they needed a good start, but they failed. The onus is once again on Shakib and Mahmudullah, who are trying to rebuild the innings.
To a certain extent, they are doing well, but with the required rate increasing, it becomes difficult for the duo. After the wicket of Shakib and Mahmudullah, no Bangladesh player is able to test India bowlers. They are eventually dismissed for 190 runs, allowing India to match into the final and face Pakistan.
