Not many days have passed since Bangladesh crushed Australia 4-1 in the T20I series. That might have been a depleted Australian side, but even Bangladesh were without some key players. With Liton Das and Mushfiqur Rahman back in the mix, they will be confident of repleting the same against New Zealand.
Keeping the jam-packed season ahead of them, New Zealand have decided to prioritise the workload of their players. Thus they will be without some big names. Even then, with Tom Latham at the helm, the team looks balanced in almost every aspect.
Will Young and Tom Latham are likely to open the innings, followed by a middle order comprising Tom Blundell and Henry Nicholls. In Cole McConchie, they have a worthy off-spinner who is quite handy with the bat. As a lead spinner of the side, Ajaz Patel will have a big role to play on a slow, stodgy track.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, may axe Soumya Sarkar, who could not do much in the last series. Das will take his place as Mohammad Naim’s opening partner. They will play both wicketkeepers, Mushfiqur and Nurul Hasan.
Afif Hossain has been a great revelation for them. He can score quick runs down the order as well as sneak in an over or two. Shakib Al Hasan remains the vital cog of the side, and will spearhead the spin attack for the hosts with Nasum Ahmed.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Make Shakib captain. He did well in the Australia series, and his bowling will pose many problems to the opponents.
- Mustafizur Rahman and Mahedi Hasan are must-haves for your team.
- Expect a low-scoring contest, so picking more bowlers and batters adept in anchoring the innings makes sense.
Probable XI:
Bangladesh: Mahmudullah (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Das, Mohammad Naim, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mahedi Hasan, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum Ahmed
New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Colin de Grandhomme, Cole McConchie, Ajaz Patel, Scott Kuggeleijn, Blair Tickner, Doug Bracewell
Prediction:
Bangladesh should easily win this game.