The one-off T20I between New Zealand and Bangladesh will be played at Hamilton
on Wednesday. This is the start of the series between the two sides which will
see them play a T20I, three ODIs and one Test match before the Bangladeshis had
home.
The New Zealand side hasn't participated in an international since playing
three Tests against Pakistan back home. In fact, the last T20I that they had
participated in was against Pakistan in Dubai, which they had lost, to go on
to lose the series 0-2. However, they played in seven T20Is in 2008 and 2009
at home, and have lost only one - that, through the one over eliminator after
the actual game had ended in a tie.
Click for Live Score Card of New Zealand vs Bangladesh
There is nothing to suggest that the results could be any different this time
around. The Bangladesh side have yet to win against any major opponent
in this youngest format of the game, apart from having beaten West Indies in
the first ever edition of the ICC World T20 in 2007. In the process, they have
also lost to Ireland in the second edition of the ICC World T20 in 2009.
The Kiwis will be led by their old warhorse, Daniel Vettori, but the
change in their line-up comes in the form of Mark Greatbatch who will be coaching
the Kiwi side for the first ever time. Most of the other side continues to remain
the same, but the Kiwis will be buoyed by the presence of Ross Taylor,
who has been in prolific T20 form in the domestic tournament. He also smashed
an 80 in the final of that tournament to win the tournament and a place in the
Champions League T20 for the Central Districts. He could be the man to watch
out for in the one-off game.
As compared to that, the Bangladeshi weaknesses were exposed in the series
against Sri Lanka and India. In the four ODIs against the two sides, they lost
all four, while losing the two Tests against India as well. While one can expect
that the shortening of the format will, in all probabilities help the Bangladeshis,
what will compensate for the shortening of the overs will be the fact that they
will be playing in New Zealand. For most sides travelling to the Kiwiland, it
is difficult to adjust to the swinging and windy conditions of New Zealand and
Bangladesh may not be too different.
This looks like an easy win for the hosts, unless the visitors can get a fully
fit Mashrafe Mortaza to get some early wickets.
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