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Bangladesh Seek Improved Showing; NZ a Series Win

The New Zealand, Bangladesh ODI series moves to Nelson, to a pitch expected to be slower and lower than the Christchurch opener, and thus suit the slow bowling nous of the Bangladesh side. The slower pitch could also counteract the New Zealand short bowling tactic that was employed extensively in game one but made for boring viewing.

Here’s hoping for a closer game in Nelson, one that’s not dominated by bouncers:

The Series So Far

The Black Caps took game one in Christchurch by 77 runs after Tom Latham and Colin Munro took the game away from the Bangladeshis late in the first innings. Latham made 137 and Munro 87 to carry New Zealand to 341, which proved to be far too good. Bangladesh showed they wouldn’t fall over, but in the end, New Zealand’s sustained short bowling tactic managed to find their opponents fall short.

The Teams

New Zealand (likely):

1 Martin Guptill, 2 Tom Latham, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Neil Broom, 5 James Neesham , 6 Colin Munro, 7 Luke Ronchi (wk), 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Lockie Ferguson, 11 Trent Boult

New Zealand is unlikely to make changes to the side that comfortably won game one. Tim Southee and Trent Boult are being rested later in the series so expect them to play again at the expense of Matt Henry and Colin de Grandhomme.

Bangladesh (likely):

1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Imrul Kayes, 3 Mahmudullah, 4 Shakib Al Hasan, 5 Sabbir Rahman, 6 Mosaddek Hossain, 7 Nurul Hasan (wk), 8 Mehedi Hasan/Tanbir Hayder, 9 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 10 Mustafizur Rahman, 11 Taskin Ahmed

With Mushfiqur Rahman out of the series with a hamstring injury, Nurul Hasan will don the gloves. He’s likely to be joined by either Mehedi Hasan or Tanbir Hayde, either of which could replace the at risk Soumya Sarkar.

The Key Players

New Zealand

Given he’s only played three one-day internationals, it seems a little odd to be highlighting Lockie Ferguson, but New Zealand’s obvious tactic to bowl short at the Bangladeshi batsman means Ferguson is a critical cog in the Black Caps game plan. The right armer will be asked to bowl fast, short and threatening and when he does, he’s a chance to take a fist full of wickets.

Bangladesh

Without Mishfiqur, Shakib Al Hasan shapes up as the most important player in the tourist’s side. The world-class all round compiled a polished fifty in the first game but needs to turn that into a big hundred here in game two if his side is to have a chance. Shakib does need to be careful not to get too loose attacking the short ball. He appeared to get too hyped up flailing at the short stuff and needs to be more composed; picking the appropriate ball to go after.

The Match Odds*

New Zealand – $1.16

Bangladesh – $5

*All odds courtesy of Bet365.

The Prediction

Maybe not quite as dominant as they were in Nelson, but we’re still expecting another New Zealand win. The lower wicket will play to Bangladesh’s hands, which will make it closer, but not close enough to be an upset. New Zealand by four wickets or 30 runs.

The Best Bets

Colin Munro has already proven to be a handful for the Bangladeshi bowlers and there are not many New Zealand grounds that can contain him. He’s paying $8 to top score and he doesn’t need many balls to achieve that.

Shakib’s at $5.50 to top score for the tourists. He was good for some money in game one where we backed him to score fifty. Shakib top scoring could be on the cards.

If you’re looking for lower odds but something closer to unbackable, try Tim Southee scoring less than 41.5. He doesn’t have a hope of scoring that and it’s paying $1.83.

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