CT 2017: Bangladesh v New Zealand, Game 9 – Match Result Predictions

The 9th match of the ICC Champions Trophy will feature Bangladesh and New Zealand going head to head at Cardiff. The tussle in Group A is intense and it will be the final match of the league stage for both the teams. The loser of the match will be knocked out but even the winner won’t be assured of a place in the semi-finals. It will depend on the result of Austraila-England clash. If England win, the winner of this match will qualify along with the hosts and if Australia win, England and Australia will go through.

For Bangladesh, it has been an up and down run so far. They began well in the first match versus England where they scored 305 batting first but the bowlers failed to defend. In the next game, they were bowled out for 182 against Australia but the rain came to their rescue and didn’t allow 20 overs in the Aussie innings that meant the points were divided by both teams. Bangladesh must be itching to get their first win of the tournament but it’s not going to be like a walk in the park.

New Zealand, on the contrary, have been highly unlucky so far. In their first match against Australia, they were in a dominating position and were on the way to victory when rain played spoilsport and they had to be content with a solitary point. Against England, they were once again in the hunt but a collapse after Kane Williamson’s departure resulted in a heavy defeat. Now they would want to win and stay alive in the tournament.

Here is what Crictracker predicts for the game:

Scenario 1: Bangladesh wins the toss

Toss prediction: Bangladesh will choose to bat first

First innings score prediction: 270-280

Result prediction: New Zealand will win the match by 4 wickets with 2 overs to spare

Scenario 2: New Zealand wins the toss

Toss prediction: New Zealand will choose to bat first

First innings score prediction: 290-300

Result prediction: New Zealand will win the match by more than 15 runs

Head to Head Record

Overall: Total Matches – 31, New Zealand Won – 21, Bangladesh Won – 9, No Result – 1

Matches in England: Total Matches – 1, New Zealand Won – 1, Bangladesh Won – 0

Going by the head to head record, New Zealand have dominated Bangladesh. But the Asian side has been the most improved one in the recent times. In the last 12 matches between the sides, Bangladesh have won 7 times as compared to 5 of the Black Caps. But the conditions in Cardiff will be more in favor of New Zealand and hence, they are in a slight advantage.

Playing Combinations

Bangladesh:

The opener Tamim Iqbal has been in an outstanding form in the tournament. He scored a hundred against England and then made 95 against Australia. The whole innings have revolved around him. Soumya Sarkar and Imrul Kayes have failed to make a substantial contribution. Mushfiqur Rahim did well against England but failed in the last game. The lower middle-order comprising of Shakib Al Hasan, Sabbir Rahman and Mahmudullah need to do a lot better than what they have done so far.

The bowling hasn’t been that good. They have managed to pick just 3 wickets in 66 overs across 2 matches. The pacers Mashrafe Mortaza, Rubel Hossain and Mushfiqur Rahman need to stand out against the strong batting of the Kiwis. Spin might just be the key and Mehedi Hasan and Shakib will play crucial roles against New Zealand. It will not be easy for the line-up and they need to play out of their skins get the better of the opposition.

Predicted XI: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Mushfiqur Rahim(wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Sabbir Rahman, Mahmudullah, Mehedi Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza(c), Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain

New Zealand:

The opener Martin Guptill has had 2 good starts but threw it away on both occasions. But his partner Luke Ronchi played a good hand of 65 against Australia but got out on a duck in the last match. The skipper Kane Williamson has been magnificent with scores of 100 and 87. A lot will rest on his shoulders along with Ross Taylor. Neil Broom, James Neesham and Corey Anderson will have to raise their games as they haven’t done too well so far.

The bowling has done relatively well especially the pacers. Tim Southee, Trent Boult Adam Milne have bowled nicely but the momentary lapses cost them against England. Pace should be the order of the day as the Asian side handles spin better than pace. Yet Mitchell Santner will have a crucial role to play of holding one end up.

Predicted XI: Martin Guptill, Luke Ronchi(wk), Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Neil Broom, James Neesham, Corey Anderson, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Trent Boult

One might be tempted to say that the might of New Zealand will overpower Bangladesh. But they are not the minnows anymore and now stand firmly amongst the top sides in the world. If there was some assistance for the spinners, Bangladesh would have been in the driver’s seat. But the conditions in England will be more suited to New Zealand and so they will hold the advantage.

Purely because of the conditions, New Zealand have a better chance of winning than Bangladesh.

You can follow the live scores of the match here

Do let us know your predictions in the comments section below.