Published: Jan 06, 2017, 05:30 AM (IST)
Edited: Jan 06, 2017, 08:19 AM (IST)
Bangladesh will lock horns with New Zealand in the second T20I at Bay Oval, Mount Maunhanui on Friday. The live streaming of the match will be available on Sky Go. Bangladesh have had a terrible tour thus far. They lost all the three ODIs, followed by a 6-wicket defeat in the first T20I. Given the momentum they are in, it will not be a surprise if they lose the next two T20Is as well. All the same, we are well aware of Bangladesh’s knack of upsetting the big guns. Not long ago did they level Test series with England. But that was at home, on dust-bowls.
New Zealand’s tracks are different. It does not offer enough help for the spinners. However, that has not been their major concern. They have failed to play as a cohesive unit. If the batting unit performs well, the bowling department fails to up the ante. The same was the case in the first ODI. They put up a respectable 142-run target after electing to bat. None of the top-order batsmen could use the long handle to devastating effect, but Mahmudullah’s staggering knock of 52 was enough for the visitors to set up the said target. But again, they are against New Zealand, a team that boasts of Kane Williamson, Collin Munro, Corey Anderson, Luke Ronchi, among others.
FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: New Zealand vs Bangladesh, 2nd T20I
New Zealand, without any trouble, chased down the target with 2 overs remaining, thanks to Williamson’s unbeaten 73.
Bangladesh still have a chance to prove their mettle. They still have a match to level the series. Whether they will bounce back and pull off the unlikely is a question only time will tell.
