The Kiwis swamped the Bangladesh side in both the T20I, and the three ODIs and now, the action will move to the longer variety of the game. this, incidentally is also the least favoured variety of the game for the Bangladeshis, and outside of their own country they have struggled to say the least.

Of course, what will be the biggest positive out of the ODI series is that by the time it was the third ODI, the batsmen had begun to find a bit of form. Imrul Kayes made a very measured century in that game, whereas Shakib al Hasan finally looked like he was getting back to his old self as well.

Unfortunately, the biggest bane for the Bangladeshis has been that they have struggled to face up to the conditions away from home. This is especially true in the Test match variety of the game, where, there have been times when the pitches are wet and the ball does its bit given the early morning start. One can be rest assured that the Bangladeshis will not be batting first if they did win the toss at Hamilton.

Kayes' century and Tamim Iqbal reasonable form in the series will mean that both should continue to open the innings, whereas Mohammad Ashraful and Shakib al Hasan will make it to the side as well. What is a question mark is who will Bangladesh's number three be, after they have drafted in Aftab Ahmed and Junnaid Siddique into the line-up. This has also meant that Shahriar Nafees is out of the squad that takes on the side.

The conditions at Hamilton will no doubt ensure the kind of bowling line-up that either team will go with. However, the Bangladeshis will prefer getting in their quota of spinners. It remains to be seen which one of Abdur Razzaq or Mahmudullah will play in the game, given that the former is more of a bowler, and the latter bats better than he bowls.

For the Kiwis, there are quite a few of those youngsters who could be given a chance. For one, Andy McKay has been likened to the pace of Shane Bond, and it remains to be seen whether he gets his first cap. Apart from McKay, the side could also see Peter Ingram making it through to the playing eleven and could open the innings with Martin Guptill.

With Tim McIntosh in the side as well, it could be that he bats at number three, and the rest follow later. Chris Martin and Darryl Tuffey will make it to the eleven with Daniel Vettori, who could promote himself to number six.

Tag :- Abdur Razzaq   Aftab Ahmed   Bangladesh   Chris Martin   Daniel Vettori   Mohammad Ashraful   Shane Bond