Bangladesh’s 43-run win in the first ODI against New Zealand was an important boost for a side that, prior to the series opener, had only two wins in six games this year. The win also strengthened their ODI record against New Zealand, which now stands at five successive wins, dating back to their 4-0 win three years ago.
New Zealand, meanwhile, have been served a timely reminder that they are yet to win a match on this tour. The visitors drew the Test series 0-0, but hardly looked convincing enough to push for victory. In Mirpur, on Tuesday, they ended up conceding a game they looked like winning at several points.
New Zealand’s bowlers didn’t make the most of the start given by Tim Southee and while they did make a comeback of sorts in the last 10 overs, they were still faced with a target of 266. Their chase began poorly with the opening pair of Anton Devcich and Hamish Rutherford – the fifth in 13 games this year – falling to casual dismissals. They fought back after the rain break but Rubel Hossain’s brilliant spell of bowling under pressure turned out to be their undoing.
Although Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the rest of the series due to a thumb injury, New Zealand can take confidence from Grant Elliott’s 71 off 77 balls. Corey Anderson’s all-round show and James Neesham’s four-wicket haul are also positives for New Zealand. Their spin attack, however, is a major concern, particularly if they bowl second under lights in Mirpur.
For Bangladesh, the biggest gain was winning without Shakib Al Hasan, who was hospitalised due to dengue fever. Naeem Islam stepped up to the challenge of replacing Shakib and partnered Mushfiqur well in their 154-run stand. However, Bangladesh need runs from Tamim Iqbal, Nasir Hossain and Mominul Haque, who was a victim of poor calling by Anamul Haque.
Form guide
Bangladesh WLLWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
New Zealand LLWLW
Team news
Williamson’s thumb injury is a big blow for New Zealand as he was their best batsman on the tour. Luke Ronchi is slated to replace Williamson, but will only reach Bangladesh before the final ODI, so the team management will have to pick between Colin Munro and Tom Latham in the second. Brendon McCullum has talked about rotating his bowlers, so Adam Milne or Kyle Mills could feature in place of Mitchell McClenaghan.
only animal nature persons can stay in lahore and nia lahore . positive people can not stay in both city . ( send me less e-mails so that i could read easily )
Comments are closed.