Published: May 16, 2017, 04:15 PM (IST)
Edited: May 16, 2017, 04:15 PM (IST)
After a few rain halts, Ireland managed to host a full game versus New Zealand in the second ODI of the Tri-Nation series. The hosts lost by 51 runs, but weren’t ‘pushovers’ for a new-look Kiwis. The visitors managed to score 289 for 8 and defended the target due to a lone fight by Niall O’Brien, bolstered by Mitchell Santner’s 5-for. The next tie is between Bangladesh and New Zealand at Central Avenue, Dublin. Mashrafe Mortaza‘s side will be wary of the fact that Black Caps were made to work hard against hosts and eye their first victory of the tournament. Full Cricket Scorecard, Bangladesh vs New Zealand, 3rd ODI
Bangladesh have enjoyed playing against New Zealand. Kiwis toured Bangladesh in 2010-11 and lost a five-match ODI series 0-4. The Asian side also gave a run-for-the-money to co-hosts, New Zealand, in the ICC World Cup 2015 when Brendon McCullum’s side were on a roll. Lots have changed for Mortaza’s men since then. They have been on an upward spiral especially in the 50-over format, but overseas results are eagerly awaited from Bangladesh, for them to be considered as a ‘well oiled side.’ Bangladesh were whitewashed in the three-match series against Kiwis, few months back, and will eye revenge.
”We played them a few months back, it wasn’t a good memory as we didn’t too well in New Zealand but these are different conditions, a different scenario and we are hoping to do well”, Shakib Al Hasan was quoted as saying by AFP.
Shakib also believes that his side will improve as the series progresses. Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah showed their side how to apply in such conditions and play freely in the series opener. If their batting order stands tall in the first half of the innings, bowlers will feel confident against a side without Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill. The conditions at Central Avenue will be cold and challenging for the first hour or so, but may ease out as the game progresses. Rain may again appear at some point of time.
The Tom Latham-led New Zealand had a good outing versus Ireland. But the game hung in the balance for most period. In the post-match conference, Latham told AFP, “It wasn’t the complete performance (versus Ireland), but the guys came under pressure and played really well. We played Bangladesh not so long ago, we know how strong they can be and we’ll see what conditions are like. It’ll be interesting to see what the wicket is like and we’ll adapt our plans accordingly.”
Bangladesh are more experienced and lethal than the Irishmen, and will not be expected to repeat the same mistakes. They will be eager to cash-in on the weak links of the opposition. The head-to-head record stands in favour of Kiwis (20-8). This will be the first instance of both sides meeting at Castle Avenue, Dublin.
Mortaza’s comeback will ensure a fired-up Bangladesh squad. This may well be the first nerve-wreaking encounter of the tri-series.
Squads:
Bangladesh: Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Imrul Kayes, Mahmudullah, Mehedi Hasan, Mosaddek Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mustafizur Rahman, Nasir Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shafiul Islam, Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Subashis Roy, Sunzamul Islam, Tamim Iqbal, Taskin Ahmed
New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Hamish Bennett, Neil Broom, Scott Kuggeleijn, Colin Munro, James Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Jeetan Patel, Seth Rance, Luke Ronchi (wk), Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, George Worker
Time: 3:15 PM | 09:45 AM GMT
