Not many would be following this series, but for the cricket crazy nation, Bangladesh this is a very important series. The last time New Zealand had visited here they lost 0-4, and Mccullum hopes to better his team’s performance this time around. It is going to be a tough series for New Zealand especially in the heat and humidity, but it is to be seen which team can come up on top.
Bangladesh have dominated the test series, although both tests ended up in draws. The home team certainly has the advantage of playing in home conditions and in front of a large crowd, which will help them immensely. They want to prove a point to the world and this could be a stepping stone on their path.
Team News
Bangladesh seem to have a very strong team, however the only concern is the health of Shakib. He was sick a day ago and rushed to the hospital. In case he cannot make it to the ground, it will be a huge blow for the team and will shift the balance in favor of New Zealand a little. Tamim and Nasir seem to be in good batting form, and they are the ones who have to bat through the innings to make sure Bangladesh can win this game. They also have lethal spin weapons in Gazi and Razzak, both of who can be wicket takers and run containers.
New Zealand are without their regular opener Guptill and that may hurt them a little. That being said, it is the perfect opportunity for young Devicich to make a mark and show that he is good enough for the international stage. Their middle order is as solid as ever in Taylor, Williamson and Baz. They also have some class all-rounders and pacers but one area that will hurt them dearly is the lack of quality spinners. They do have Nathan Mccullum but he is not a quality spinner who can turn the ball. The likes of Vettori could have been much handier, but well this is what they have for now.
Probable Teams
Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Shakib al Hasan, Nasir Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim(c)(wk), Mahmudullah, Masrafe Mortaza, Sohag Gazi, Abdur Razzak, Rubel Hossain
X-Factor: Nasir Hossain, one of the best lower order players in the game would be the guy to watch out for. He has been Bangladesh’s best batsman for a long time now, and there are talks of him moving to fill the no.3 or no.4 spot but it’s all upto him to do so. He is one of the Bangladesh stars and a huge contributor to their success. Along with being a great batsman, he is a good fielder and a decent bowler too. If you want to win a fantasy game, do not forget to add Nasir to your line-up :)
New Zealand: Hamish Ruterford, Anton Devcich, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Brendon Mccullum (c)(wk), James Neesham, Corey Anderson, Nathan Mccullum, Kyle Mills, Tim Southee, Mitchell McClenaghan
X-Factor: Mitchell McClenaghan has played 10 ODI games till date and in those he has picked 29 wickets, which is a tremendous record. If he can continue to do what he did in his previous ODI’s, New Zealand would be well served by him. It is to be seen whether he can make the ball talk on these life less Bangladeshi pitches. He is a very good young bowler and New Zealand have to make sure to use him smartly and effectively.
Expected Result: Bangladesh Win
Bangladesh have dominated the test series, although both tests ended up in draws. The home team certainly has the advantage of playing in home conditions and in front of a large crowd, which will help them immensely. They want to prove a point to the world and this could be a stepping stone on their path.
Team News
Bangladesh seem to have a very strong team, however the only concern is the health of Shakib. He was sick a day ago and rushed to the hospital. In case he cannot make it to the ground, it will be a huge blow for the team and will shift the balance in favor of New Zealand a little. Tamim and Nasir seem to be in good batting form, and they are the ones who have to bat through the innings to make sure Bangladesh can win this game. They also have lethal spin weapons in Gazi and Razzak, both of who can be wicket takers and run containers.
New Zealand are without their regular opener Guptill and that may hurt them a little. That being said, it is the perfect opportunity for young Devicich to make a mark and show that he is good enough for the international stage. Their middle order is as solid as ever in Taylor, Williamson and Baz. They also have some class all-rounders and pacers but one area that will hurt them dearly is the lack of quality spinners. They do have Nathan Mccullum but he is not a quality spinner who can turn the ball. The likes of Vettori could have been much handier, but well this is what they have for now.
Probable Teams
Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Shakib al Hasan, Nasir Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim(c)(wk), Mahmudullah, Masrafe Mortaza, Sohag Gazi, Abdur Razzak, Rubel Hossain
X-Factor: Nasir Hossain, one of the best lower order players in the game would be the guy to watch out for. He has been Bangladesh’s best batsman for a long time now, and there are talks of him moving to fill the no.3 or no.4 spot but it’s all upto him to do so. He is one of the Bangladesh stars and a huge contributor to their success. Along with being a great batsman, he is a good fielder and a decent bowler too. If you want to win a fantasy game, do not forget to add Nasir to your line-up :)
New Zealand: Hamish Ruterford, Anton Devcich, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Brendon Mccullum (c)(wk), James Neesham, Corey Anderson, Nathan Mccullum, Kyle Mills, Tim Southee, Mitchell McClenaghan
X-Factor: Mitchell McClenaghan has played 10 ODI games till date and in those he has picked 29 wickets, which is a tremendous record. If he can continue to do what he did in his previous ODI’s, New Zealand would be well served by him. It is to be seen whether he can make the ball talk on these life less Bangladeshi pitches. He is a very good young bowler and New Zealand have to make sure to use him smartly and effectively.
Expected Result: Bangladesh Win