NZ vs BAN: 3rd T20I, Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match?

After winning the ODI series 3-0, New Zealand have now managed to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. In the second game at the McLean Park in Napier, the Black Caps secured victory by 28 runs (DLS Method).

The Tigers’ batters, especially Soumya Sarkar, put them under pressure with his power hits, but the Kiwis stormed back to clinch victory. The third and final T20I is set to be played on Thursday, April 1 at the Eden Park in Auckland. It’s a dead-rubber as the fate of the series has already been decided.

But Mahmudullah and Co would be hoping to somehow evade a whitewash. However, it’s pertinent to note that New Zealand don’t have records to boast off in Auckland, losing 14 out of 23 matches and winning only eight.

Pitch and conditions

The pitch in Auckland has been a batting paradise over the years. The average score is nearly 180 and a high-scoring game can be expected. The short boundaries won’t be making life any easier for the bowlers.

There are chances of rain from 9 PM- local time- onwards and hence delays can be expected. The temperature will be around 19 degrees Celsius with the humidity in the low-80s.

Probable Playing Elevens

New Zealand

Predicted XI: Martin Guptill, Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips (wk), Will Young, Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Tim Southee (C), Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi, Hamish Bennett

Bench: Todd Astle, Adam Milne

Bangladesh

Predicted XI: Mohammad Naim, Liton Das (wk), Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Mithun/Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah (C), Afif Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Shoriful Islam/ Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Nasum Ahmed

Bench: Al-Amin Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shoriful Islam/ Mustafizur Rahman, Mushfiqur Rahim/Mohammad Mithun, Mehidy Hasan Miraz

Probable Top Performers of NZ vs BAN

Devon Conway (New Zealand)

Devon Conway has flourished for the Black Caps in the last couple of months or so. In the first game, he got an unbeaten 92 and carried on from where he left after his century in the final ODI.

In the previous game though, he got out for 15 after hitting two fours. He will be looking for another knock of substance at the high-scoring venue.

Mohammad Naim (Bangladesh)

Mohammad Naim has looked in excellent touch in the ongoing series. In the first game, he played at a strike-rate of 150 before getting out.

Even in Napier, he scored 38 off 35 with four fours before becoming Glenn Phillips’ victim. The left-hander would now be hoping to get at least a half-century if not a bigger score.

NZ vs BAN Broadcast Details

Match Timings – 11:30 AM IST

Live Streaming – Fancode

Today’s match prediction: New Zealand to win the match.

Disclaimer: This 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.