The hosts New Zealand and Bangladesh will square off in the first T20I of a three-match series in Hamilton on Sunday.
New Zealand made the light work of the visitors in the ODI series as they blanked Bangladesh 3-0. Another clean sweep series loss at the hands of Black Caps extended the losing streak for Bangladesh to 30 losses in all formats in New Zealand.
Devon Conway starred for New Zealand in the ODI series, as he racked up 225 runs at an average of 75 in 3 innings, which included a sublime century in the third ODI. Daryl Mitchell displayed his explosive abilities in the same match as he blasted his maiden ODI ton off 92 deliveries.
While Conway did the job with the bat, New Zealand pacers Trent Boult and Matt Henry did the damage with the ball. The pace duo made the most out of home conditions as they picked five and six wickets, respectively. Jimmy Neesham wrapped up things with a five-for in the last ODI.
While Bangladesh were thoroughly outplayed in two matches, they fought in the second ODI. After putting up 271 on the board thanks to 70s from Tamim and Mithun, Bangladesh had reduced the hosts to 3 for 53 at one point. But in the end, it wasn’t enough as Latham took his side over the line with ten balls to spare.
Heading into the T20I series, New Zealand have named a very young squad with a couple of new names. Tim Southee will lead the side in the absence of regular skipper Kane Williamson. Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Santner, Jimmy Neesham, Tim Seifert have also been rested.
Bangladesh will be kick-starting their preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup with this series. But they will be without the services of Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hassan. Bangladesh have a talented group of players, and they will look to put up a better performance at Seddon Park.
Key Players
Lockie Ferguson is one of the fastest bowlers in the world, possessing an ability to instil fear in the opposition batsmen’s minds. Primarily used as an enforcer, Lockie is exceptionally effective in the middle overs phase and even deadlier against hard length suspects. Ferguson has taken 21 wickets in International T20 cricket with an impressive average of 13.24 and at an economy under seven. In the last T20I series he played, Ferguson decimated the defending champions West Indies which included his career-best 5/21.
Devon Conway is in the form of his life. The 29-year old left-hander has had a tremendous start to his career. Conway in his 9-match old T20I career has scored 366 runs at an average of 52.29 and strike rate of 145.24. In the short span, Conway has cemented his spot in New Zealand’s limited overs set-up.
Glenn Phillips is one of the best middle-order batsmen going around in the T20s. After giving impressive performances in CPL, Phillips has made his mark in international T20 cricket. Since his return to the side after a two years gap, Phillips averages 33.75 and strikes at a mind-blowing rate of 179. Phillips had already notched up a T20I century when he scored 108 off 51 against West Indies, the fastest T20I hundred by a New Zealand batsman.
Taskin Ahmed has been the most impressive player for Bangladesh with the ball on tour so far. Although he doesn’t have wickets to show for, the pacer has looked fitter and sharper. He will be raring to go in his return to the international T20 side.
Finn Allen is one of the most exciting young players in the world. The young sensation has just recently bagged an IPL contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore. In the recently concluded Super Smash T20 competition, Finn Allen had a breakthrough season. He scored 512 runs at an average of 56.88 and struck at a phenomenal rate of 194. Allen will be looking to continue his form on his International debut.
Prediction
Seddon Park is usually a high scoring ground with average score batting first in the 180s in international T20s. Both the teams have a couple of experienced players and a bunch of very talented players on their side. Bangladesh will be hoping for a better showing from Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das and Mustafizur Rahman.
The contest between these two teams is heavily in favour of the hosts. Bangladesh have not been able to beat New Zealand in seven T20 matches that the two teams have played so far against each other. Add to that the 100% losing record of the visitors in New Zealand. It’s going to be an uphill task for Bangladesh to beat the hosts.
Probable XIs
New Zealand : Martin Guptill, Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Todd Astle, Tim Southee (cap), Ish Sodhi, Adam Milne.
Bangladesh : Liton Das, Mohammad Naim, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah (cap), Mohammad Mithun, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mahedi Hassan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.
