New Zealand vs Bangladesh, 1st T20I: Match Prediction - Who will win today’s match between NZ vs BAN?

New Zealand (NZ) and Bangladesh (BAN) will take on each other in the first game of the three-match T20I series beginning on Wednesday, December 27 at McLean Park, Napier. Bangladesh last played a bilateral T20I series against Afghanistan in July 2023 which they won by 2-0. On the other hand, New Zealand took on England in a four-match T20I series in August - September 2023 which ended in a draw 2-2.

Notably, New Zealand have an upper hand over Bangladesh in T20Is having beaten them on 14 occasions out of the 17 times the two teams have faced each other. Bangladesh have won just one T20I series against the Kiwis out of five played between the two teams and are yet to win a single T20I game in New Zealand. Hence, the Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side will look to put their past behind them and start the series on a winning note.

NZ vs BAN Match Details:

McLean Park Pitch Report and Conditions

There have been a total of five T20Is played at the venue, out of which two have been won by the team batting first while one game was tied on DLS. The average first innings score has been 177 on the highest target chased at the venue is 174. The captain winning the toss is likely to bat first and make the most of the good batting conditions.

Check here: NZ vs BAN Live Score, 1st T20I

NZ vs BAN Head-to-Head Record

NZ vs BAN Predicted Playing XI

New Zealand (NZ)

Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert(w), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), James Neesham, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi

Bangladesh (BAN)

Litton Das(wk), Afif Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Shamim Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahedi Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam

Probable Best Performers

Probable Best Batter: Mark Chapman

The 29-year-old has been in sensational form this year having scored 556 runs from 17 innings at an average of 50.54. Chapman has scored one hundred and four fifties to his name at a strike rate of 145.54. Hence, he will be eager to continue his form in the upcoming fixture and help his side start on a winning note.

Probable Best Bowler: Ish Sodhi

The wrist spinner has been one of the top bowlers in T20I cricket for a long time. Sodhi has scalped 15 wickets from 14 matches in 2023 at an average of 23.66 and an economy of 7.71. He will look to bowl another match-winning spell for his side in the upcoming fixture.

Today’s Match Prediction: New Zealand to win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.

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