Anticipation mounts as India host Bangladesh at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday in the opening game of the third round of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. With both teams aiming for a coveted AFC Asian Cup berth, this match holds significant importance.

All eyes will be on this clash between neighbouring nations with passionate football followings. India, under Manolo Marquez, aim to carry their momentum from a recent 3-0 friendly win against the Maldives into the qualifier. Meanwhile, Bangladesh seeks to showcase their growing strength on the international stage.

Ahead of their encounter, we examine Bangladesh's history, recent form, head-to-head dynamics and key players.

History

The rivalry between India and Bangladesh began with their first encounter in 1973 and is deeply rooted in the shared cultural heritage and historical ties of both nations. Over the decades, the two teams have faced each other numerous times, with matches often evoking strong emotions from fans on both sides. While India has generally been dominant in this rivalry, the competitive spirit remains high.

Historically, Bangladesh's football journey has had its ups and downs. The national team gained early recognition in regional tournaments but faced challenges in qualifying for major championships. However, recent years have seen a resurgence, with a renewed focus on youth development and tactical discipline. The Bangladesh Football Federation's commitment to fostering homegrown talent is starting to yield results, as evidenced by their performances in recent matches.

Form Guide - W L L W L

Recent form plays a crucial role in the build-up to the match, and both teams have had their ups and downs. Ranked 185th in the FIFA ranking, Bangladesh enters the match with a mixed record in their last five games, indicating a team that has struggled to find consistent form lately. They have only been able to score three goals in their last five matches while conceding seven goals. The Bengal Tigers' last win came against the Maldives, where they won at home by a 2-1 scoreline.

Head-to-Head Record

Throughout the history of competitive football between India and Bangladesh, India has traditionally held a small upper hand. India's record stands firm, having won half of the 28 matches played against their Asian rivals. Despite this historical slight advantage that India enjoyed for many years, the dynamic between the two teams has been slowly evolving. Bangladesh has demonstrated considerable improvement in recent times, gradually narrowing the gap in skill and performance. This progress has made their encounters more competitive and unpredictable. Consequently, while India maintains a historical edge, their recent performance has diminished. India's last win in a competitive victory occurred twelve matches ago, when they beat Kuwait during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in November 2023.

Match Played: 28

India won: 14

Bangladesh won: 4

Draw: 10

Key Players

In any match, individual brilliance can change the course of the game. Two players who are likely to have a significant impact on the outcome for Bangladesh are midfielders Hamza Choudhury and defender Topu Barman.

Hamza Choudhury

Their latest addition, midfielder Hamza Choudhury will likely emerge as a key figure in Bangladesh’s midfield. His ability to control the pace of the game and break up opposition play can be crucial against an Indian side known for building attacks from the back. Choudhury's experience in European leagues adds invaluable depth to the Bangladesh squad, and his performances will be pivotal in dictating the flow of the match.

Topu Barman

Defender Topu Barman, on the other hand, is a defensive stalwart, known for his physicality and aerial strength. With India's attacking threats, Barman's role in maintaining a solid defensive structure will be vital. His skills in set-piece situations can also offer Bangladesh a route to score, should the opportunity arise.

Match Details

Fixture: India vs Bangladesh

Date: March 25, 2025

Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Live Telecast and Streaming: Star Sports 3 and Jio Hotstar

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2024-2025