NZ v BAN, 2nd ODI Preview: Depleted Bangladesh eyes a comeback

Bangladesh will eye a strong comeback in the 2nd ODI against New Zealand at Nelson after losing the 1st encounter by 77 runs at Christchurch. The bowlers were belted all over the place at Christchurch and despite the lower order putting up a valiant fight, the Bangla Tigers were comprehensively beaten by the better side on the day. It will be the last chance for the visitors to remain alive in the 3-match series.

The hosts New Zealand, on the other hand, will be eyeing a series-clinching victory at Nelson after a comprehensive display in the 1st ODI. Opener Tom Latham scored a breath-taking century to lay the foundation for the hosts before Colin Munro smashed a whirlwind 61 balls 87 to propel the Kiwis to 341 in their allotted 50 overs.

New Zealand

The top order will play a very important role for the hosts. With Martin Guptill and Tom Latham starting off the proceedings we might be in for a whirlwind start. Guptill has a reputation for taking the game away from the opposition with his audacious strokeplay and will be a key man to watch out for up the order. Tom Latham will look to carry on from where he left at Christchurch and give his side an ideal start once again.

The lower middle order consists of some serious power-hitters and the Bangladesh bowlers might have a big challenge in containing the explosive batting order. With the likes of Jimmy Neesham, Colin Munro, Mitchell Santner and Luke Ronchi in their ranks the hosts have a clear advantage over their hosts. Each of the batsmen has the capability to take the game away from the opposition in a matter of seconds.

After a comprehensive win in the 1st ODI, New Zealand looks the clear favourites to win the 2nd ODI but with Bangladesh improving each passing day we cannot rule out an inspiring comeback either.

Bangladesh

Wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim will miss the rest of the ODI series and the T20 series too due to a hamstring injury and the 19-year-old Mehedi Hasan is expected to replace him. Rahim sustained the injury while batting in the 1st ODI and left the field while batting on 42. The visitors will have some serious selection worries ahead of the must-win encounter at the Nelson.

While the Bangla bowlers bowled pretty well during the first half of the New Zealand innings in the 1st ODI, they went for plenty during the back end when Tom Latham and Colin Munro went hammers and tongs and propelled the hosts’ score to 341/7 in their 50 overs. Shakib Al Hasan was the stand-out performer as far as Bangladesh was concerned. The southpaw bagged 3 wickets and chipped in with a fluent 59 to keep the visitors in the game.

The openers played out the initial burst from Tim Southee and Trent Boult with utmost caution but Jimmy Neesham’s terrific opening spell put them on the backfoot. The all-rounder dismissed Imrul Kayes, Soumya Sarkar, and Mahamudullah in quick succession to apply brakes on their run scoring. Bangladesh was looking down the barrel but lower order contribution from Shakib and Mosaddek Hossain kept them in the game.

Bangladesh has the firepower and resources especially in the limited overs format and a comeback might well be on the cards in the 2nd ODI.

Probable XI

New Zealand:

Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (C), Neil Broom/Henry Nicholls, Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

Bangladesh:

Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Nurul Islam (WK), Mehedi Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed

Head to Head:

In New Zealand: Matches- 7, Bangladesh won- 0, New Zealand won- 7,

In Bangladesh: Matches- 14, Bangladesh won- 8, New Zealand won- 5, Tie- 1

Neutral Venue: Matches- 5, Bangladesh won- 0, New Zealand won- 5

Total: Matches- 25, Bangladesh won- 8, New Zealand won- 16, Tie- 1

Stats and Trivia

1 – In the only match Bangladesh played at the Saxton Oval in Nelson, they defeated Scotland by 6 wickets in a World Cup game in 2015.

2 – While New Zealand has won two out of the four matches played at this ground, they lost one to Sri Lanka and the other one was washed out.

13 – Nurul Hassan is all set to make his ODI debut in the 2nd ODI and will also become the 13th wicket-keeper to represent his country