Bangladesh v India - Thursday (10.30, Sky Sports 2)

Yes, they couldn’t have done it without the timely Cardiff rain, but Bangladesh deserve plenty of credit for reaching this stage.

Their victory over New Zealand – particularly, the stellar partnership between Mahmadullah and Shakib Al Hasan – exhibited bottle that has previously deserted them.

Beating India – Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan et al – is a somewhat different task, but they cannot be discounted.

Kohli’s side have hardly been foolproof in progressing to this stage, already proving their vulnerability in shock defeat to Sri Lanka.

They do, though, have vast experience of the latter stages of major tournaments.

Here are our best bets:

Highest score in first 10 overs: India –

The odds may look unattractive, but this is as close to a sure bet as you will find in this match.

Bangladesh have managed 36, 37 and 24 in the first 10 overs of their three matches so far, while India have scored 46, 48 and 37.

Soumya Sarkar: Under 20.5 runs –

The form of Soumya Sarkar has been largely responsible for Bangladesh’s slow starts. 

Consecutive scores of three hardly inspires confidence heading into this one.

MS Dhoni: Under 30.5 runs –

With the weight of batting above him, Dhoni has not even been required to bat in two of India’s three matches so far.

If the same occurs here this bet will be void, but back him to make only a small impact at decent odds.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Over 1.5 wickets –

India’s leading wicket-taker so far, Kumar is their bowler most suited to English conditions.

Considering that Bangladesh have struggled against top-class swing bowling so far – Mitchell Starc and Tim Southee have each taken three wickets against them – then this is an obvious bet.

Bangladesh to win –

This has been a competition of surprises so far, though.

At long odds for a semi-final, backing the popular Bangladesh to stun the holders and reach the final is a worthwhile punt.