Among other things, the subcontinental monsoon will be remembered for the aura of invincibility Bangladesh exuded in T20Is. They crushed Australia by 4-1, and are now on the verge of replicating the same scoreline against New Zealand. Irrespective of whether they win or lose the fifth and final T20I, they will be pleased with the overall result.
But there are concerns as well, largely their top-order failures. The opening pair of Mohammad Naim and Liton Das has not been consistent, while Shakib Al Hasan’s batting form has plummeted.
Too often, the likes of Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahman have bailed them out. Even in the last game, they lost track while chasing a paltry 94. It was Mahmudullah’s unbeaten 43 that drove them home. On the bowling front, Mustafizur Rahman and Nasum Ahmed ran the show that night, claiming four wickets each.
Shakib has been ruled out of this game due to a finger niggle, and Soumya Sarkar is likely to come in for him. Afif Hossain is likely to bat ahead of Nurul Hasan.
There is not much at stake for New Zealand, but a consolatory win is what they all will be aiming for to finish things off on a positive note. Winning two matches in Bangladesh with a second-string side is no less than achievement for Tom Latham’s side.
The scoreline belies the efforts, but the inexperienced spin troika of Rachin Ravindra, Ajaz Patel and Cole McConchie has done a tremendous job. Even while defending 94, they managed to keep the game alive up until the last over of the match.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Bangladesh are likely to make some changes. Shakib is unavailable. Nasum and Saifuddin may be rested. Pick only the certainties.
- Among wicketkeepers, pick both Latham and Mushfiqur, while Nurul Hasan can be overlooked.
- Ajaz, Mustafizur and Rachin are must-haves for any fantasy team.
Probable XIs
Bangladesh: Mahmudullah (c), Liton Das, Mohammad Naim, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahedi Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Aminul Islam, Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed
New Zealand: Tom Latham (c & wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Colin de Grandhomme, Hamish Bennett, Ajaz Patel, Cole McConchie, Blair Tickner, Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell
Prediction
Bangladesh should make it 4-1.
Bliztpools Fantasy Team
Tom Latham (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Liton Das, Rachin Ravindra (vc), Aminul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Ajaz Patel, Taskin Ahmed