Bangladesh vs New Zealand Prediction: New Zealand came back strong to win the second ODI and now lead the series 1-0

Bangladesh and New Zealand are going head to head in third game against each other at Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 26th September. Rain washed away the first game of the series but New Zealand came back strong to win the second one. Who will win this game?

Following a disappointing performance at the Asia Cup, Bangladesh's challenges persist as they endure their first home defeat against New Zealand in over a decade. This final ODI encounter before the commencement of the ODI World Cup represents Bangladesh's last opportunity to experiment with their preferred player combinations.

Despite the loss in the 2nd ODI, there are some silver linings that the home team can extract. Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah, both returning to the squad after an extended absence, displayed promising form and emerged as the top two run-scorers for the team, amid an otherwise average batting display.

However, concerns loom over the form of other top and middle-order batsmen, particularly Soumya Sarkar and Litton Das. It is likely that these two will be replaced by Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim, bolstering the batting lineup. The return of Mahedi Hasan Miraz to the squad enhances batting depth.

In a bid to gain valuable game time, Bangladesh has also introduced Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed for this match. Nasum Ahmed is expected to maintain his place in the spin department.

Tamim Iqbal, Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah, Towhid Hridoy, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Nurul Hassan

New Zealand can take immense satisfaction in breaking their Bangladesh hoodoo, and they achieved this feat with a second-string squad. As some of their key players are set to join them in India, the Black Caps are filled with confidence for a strong performance ahead.

Initially, New Zealand encountered some difficulties as they lost their top three batsmen within the first 8 overs. However, Henry Nicholls and Tom Blundell steadied the innings by forging a substantial 95-run partnership for the 4th wicket. Contributions from all-rounders Rachin Ravindra, Cole McConchie, Ish Sodhi, and Kyle Jamieson played a crucial role in enabling the visitors to post a respectable total on a challenging pitch.

Nonetheless, it was the disciplined bowling display that truly shone. Ish Sodhi delivered a stellar performance with the ball, recording the best figures for a New Zealand spinner in ODIs and capturing six wickets to dismantle the opposition's batting lineup. Sodhi's contribution holds particular significance as he is the solitary specialist spinner in the World Cup squad.

The pace trio comprising Trent Boult, Jamieson, and Lockie Ferguson applied consistent pressure, limiting the run flow. They will aim to replicate such a performance in the upcoming match on Tuesday.

Finn Allen, Will Young, Tom Blundell, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Cole McConchie, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner. 

The track at the Shere Bangla Stadium presents a challenging batting surface. It exhibits a greenish hue with traces of grass, offering early movement for the seam bowlers. Batsmen will face a demanding task in accumulating runs. As the game progresses, the pitch is likely to slow down, favouring the spinners. A total exceeding 260 runs would pose difficulties for any chasing team. While the skies may be somewhat cloudy, there is no rain in the forecast.

The weather conditions are expected to remain warm and humid. Despite their recent loss, Bangladesh is poised for a resurgence in this match. The return of key players bolsters the home side's batting firepower, providing them with ample strength to take on New Zealand. Nevertheless, the visitors will not make it easy for them.

Our prediction favours Bangladesh to secure the victory.