ODI Series: Game 1
Stadium: Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh
21 September 2023
Bangladesh and New Zealand are going head to head against each other at Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 21st September. New Zealand will take this opportunity to get some form back in subcontinent conditions. Who will win this game?
Claim Your Welcome Bonus!Bangladesh form
Bangladesh's recent performance in the Asia Cup left much to be desired. Despite securing a consolation victory against India in their last match, their overall performance fell short of expectations.
In an effort to protect key players from potential injuries in preparation for upcoming important events, Bangladesh has made a deliberate decision to rest several key players, including Shakib Al-Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Taskin Ahmed. Litton Das will assume the captaincy in Shakib's absence and will aim to assess the team's depth and potential.
The most significant development for the team is the return of Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah. Soumya Sarkar is also making a comeback and is expected to open the batting alongside the uncapped Zakir Hasan, while Towhid Hridoy and Mahedi Hasan are likely to bat in the middle order.
Regarding the pace bowling department, Mushfiqur Rahman will lead a relatively inexperienced bowling attack, which includes Tanzim Hasan, Rishad Hossain, and Khaled Ahmed, while Nasum Ahmed will be the team's lone specialist spinner.
Bangladesh Predicted Lineup
Tamim Iqbal, Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah, Towhid Hridoy, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Nurul Hassan
New Zealand form
Similar to the home team, New Zealand has opted to provide rest to some of its key players and has dispatched a less experienced squad to Bangladesh, focusing on nurturing young talent for the future.
Dean Foxcroft, who has showcased his skills in domestic cricket, has received his debut ODI call-up and might take on the opening role alongside Finn Allen. Tom Blundell, Henry Nicholls, and Chad Bowes will be tasked with filling the void left by the rested regular batsmen.
Rachin Ravindra and Will Young have displayed promising performances recently and will play crucial roles in the team's middle order. Trent Boult, who recently reversed his decision to retire from ODIs, will receive more playing time and assume leadership of the pace bowling attack, especially with Tim Southee sidelined due to injury.
Supporting Boult in the pace department will be Adam Milne and Kyle Jamieson, while Ish Sodhi, who has been in excellent form lately, will spearhead the spin bowling attack.
New Zealand Predicted Lineup
Finn Allen, Will Young, Tom Blundell, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Cole McConchie, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner.
Expert betting tips
Batting on the Shere Bangla Stadium pitch is no walk in the park, with an average first-inning score hovering around 230. The fast bowlers can exploit early movement, but as the game progresses, the pitch tends to even out, offering an opportunity for batsmen to settle. Spinners will likely have a significant role to play on this track.
The weather forecast predicts overcast conditions with a high likelihood of rain interruptions. Both teams have opted to rest key players, setting the stage for an intriguing contest. Nonetheless, we believe that New Zealand holds a favourable position in this match due to its robust batting lineup and well-rounded bowling attack.