New Zealand vs Bangladesh, 2nd ODI, Preview: Hosts clear favourites in Tigers’ must-win encounter

Shakib Al Hasan and Taskin Ahmed’s exclusion turned out to be body blows for Bangladesh in their opening ODI against New Zealand at the McLean Park in Napier. The team, captained by Mashrafe Mortaza, lost the game by eight wickets. Their top order looked lacklustre and fell like a pack of cards. The lower order showed some resistance, but their efforts went in vain.

The Tigers’ bowlers couldn’t quite run through the Black Caps’ batting order and the run-chase eventually turned out to be a doddle for the hosts. With that defeat, Bangladesh also remained winless in ODIs on New Zealand soil. The home team, on the contrary, would’ve been disappointed after the ODI debacle against India to whom they lost 4-1 with one win in Hamilton.

However, Kane Williamson and Co would be satisfied for the reason that they got over Bangladesh courtesy of the stupendous century from Martin Guptill. The second game is scheduled to be played tomorrow at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch and it’s a day match. The visitors don’t have many alternatives to chose from and they would be in for another stern test.

Team Combination

New Zealand

Martin Guptill and Henry Nicholls are the opening batsmen with the very experienced Williamson at number three in the order. The onus would be on Ross Taylor and Tom Latham in the middle-order. James Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, and Mitchell Santner are the specialist all-rounders. The fast bowling lineup would be led by Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, and Matt Henry.

Probable XI

Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls (WK), Kane Williamson (C, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

Bangladesh

Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das form the opening duo. Soumya Sarkar is slotted to bat at number three. Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah need to shoulder a chunk of the responsibility. Sabbir Rahman is the other specialist batsman. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mohammad Saifuddin are the specialist all-rounders. Mortaza and Mustafizur Rahman would also want to deliver.

Probable XI

Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Mustafizur Rahman

Focus will be on

Martin Guptill- New Zealand

The recent times for Guptill hasn’t given him much to cherish. He looked out of form in the ODI series against India and then also encountered injury concerns. But the ton in the last match would’ve given him a whole lot of confidence. The 32-year-old from Auckland would now wish to get another substantial score under his belt and lead his national team to a series victory.

Mushfiqur Rahim- Bangladesh

The experienced campaigner scored a half-century in the warm-up match against New Zealand XI in Lincoln, but couldn’t carry on with his good form in the first game. He looked out of sorts and was cleaned up by Trent Boult after he could score only five off 14 balls. Mushfiqur would now want to make his 200th ODI memorable with a responsible knock in Christchurch.

Head to Head

Matches – 32 | New Zealand won –22| Bangladesh won – 10 | NR – 0 | Tied – 0

In New Zealand

Matches – 11 | New Zealand won –11| Bangladesh won – 0 | NR – 0 | Tied – 0

Stat Attack

200– Mushfiqur Rahim would become the second after Mashrafe Mortaza to enter the 200-match club in ODIs.

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD in India

Live Streaming – Hotstar

Match Timings – 03:30 IST; 11:00 local

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