Punching above their weight has been the recurring theme of Bangladesh in recent times. Their sensational winning streak at home began way back in November 2014 and lasted till England broke it in October 2016. During this golden period, Bangladesh managed to slay stronger sides like India, Pakistan and South Africa, and also gave a good account of themselves in the 2015 World Cup. With each passing series win, Bangladesh’s biggest gain has been the fact that the oppositions that are considered superior – based on reputation and history – are now wary of them.
The upcoming assignment in the testing conditions of New Zealand, their first away tour since late 2014, comes at the right time for a side that has been on the rise. While flourishing in home comfort has enhanced Bangladesh’s reputation and given their boisterous bunch of fans the long-awaited respite through results, success in alien conditions will help them attain a new level.
New Zealand, on the other hand, will seek refuge in the same comforts that has catapulted Bangladesh to recent highs. After losing 2-3 in India, Kane Williamson’s side was handed a 0-3 drubbing in Australia. A winning start against a tricky opposition like Bangladesh will go a long way in negating their recent travails in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and settling the home side down for the series which also includes three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) and two Tests.
New Zealand enjoyed a superior record over Bangladesh in the early 2000s, but will now be wary of their opposition who have beaten them in their last two meetings – 4-0 in 2010 and 3-0 in 2013 – both in Bangladesh.
- When: New Zealand vs Bangladesh, 1st ODI on Monday (December 26) at 11:00 AM Local (03:30 AM IST)
- Where: Hagley Oval, Christchurch
- What to expect: A maximum of 20 degrees Celsius is anticipated on Monday
Team News
New Zealand
Coach Mike Hesson confirmed that Trent Boult and Tim Southee will be given breaks before the Tests but both will lead the bowling attack on Monday. Lockie Ferguson, with his searing pace, will also be a handy option against a batting line-up that could be brittle in the colder climes of New Zealand.
By his lofty standards, Kane Williamson endured a low key 2016 in ODIs. After amassing 1376 runs – the second best tally – in 26 innings at an average of 57.33 in 2015, the New Zealand captain has managed just 559 runs in 15 fixtures at 37.26 this year. Understandably, he was allowed to take a break after the tour of Australia and returns rejuvenated to bring down the curtains on the year, with a better showing with the bat, against Bangladesh.
New Zealand’s biggest concern during their defeat to Australia was their inability to match their Trans-Tasman rival’s batting efforts. Against Bangladesh’s tidy bowling attack, the likes of Williamson, Martin Guptill and Tom Latham will have to help raise the bar for the home side. Luke Ronchi’s return, after being dropped for Australia’s tour, strengthens the middle-order as the wicketkeeper-batsman averages 37 at home, as opposed to a measly 12 away.
Bangladesh
In bowler-friendly conditions of Christchurch, all eyes will be on Mustafizur Rahman. The lanky fast bowler, who has recovered from the spate of injuries suffered after a successful maiden season in the Indian Premier League, picked up two wickets for 39 runs in seven overs during the warm-up match against New Zealanders at Whangarei three days ago. It also remains to be seen if young spinner Mehedi Hasan Miraz, who made an impressive start to his Test career against England, is awarded his ODI cap.
Bangladesh’s fate in the series will be heavily dependent on how their batsmen perform against New Zealand’s quicks. The likes of Tamim Iqbal, who has scored at an average of 49 in ODIs this year, and Shakib Al Hasan will need to be the flag-bearers in New Zealand.
What they said:
“Hess (coach Mike Hesson) and I have spoken a bit about that series. I suppose when you go away on a tour and get beaten like we did in Aussie, there’s a number of things you would have liked to have done a little bit better. It’s important we learn from it and become a better side going forward.” – Kane Williamson.
Squads:
New Zealand
Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Neil Broom, Lockie Ferguson, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, James Neesham, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee
Bangladesh
Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Soumya Sarkar, Sabbir Rahman, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Rubel Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Mehdi Hasan, Subashis Roy, Tanveer Haider
