New Zealand will get their bid to qualify for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup underway against Bangladesh.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
The Black Caps should be wary of the Tigers as the tourists got their ODI Super League campaign underway with a 3-0 series win over the West Indies in Bangladesh.
New Zealand vs Bangladesh | Saturday 20 March | University Oval, Dunedin | 00:00
To Win Match
New Zealand 2/13
Tie 25/1
Bangladesh 46/10
New Zealand
Tom Latham captains New Zealand in the absence of Kane Williamson, and the middle order was robbed of further experience by an injury to Ross Taylor in training. Taylor has been replaced in the squad by Mark Chapman.
Latham and opening partner Martin Guptill will have to do a good job of shielding the middle order, and management will likely want at least one of the two to shine.
Kyle Jamieson may not be an old hand, but he has enjoyed a superb start to his Black Caps career and looks set to operate in a pace trio with Trent Boult and Tim Southee.
Allrounder Jimmy Neesham will provide seam-bowling back-up while Mitchell Santner is the only spinner in the New Zealand squad.
Bangladesh
The Bangladeshi bowlers will be asked to quickly adjust to the conditions in New Zealand and their ability to do so could determine whether or not the tourists put up serious competition.
Mustafizur Raman was steady against the West Indies but will need to be spectacular against New Zealand to give his team a chance.
Bangladesh have been reinforced by the return of star allrounder Shakib-al-Hasan, who gives their middle-order real substance alongside the likes of Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim.
Mehedy Hasan has made steady progress towards being considered an allrounder as well, and the depth he gives the Bangladesh batting might be crucial.
Verdict: New Zealand 2/13
The hosts start as firm favourites.
Written by James Richardson.
