ICC World Cup 2019: Match 9, Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Preview – In-form units tussle to continue momentum

Whilst the Kiwis have a sensational fast bowling lineup, Bangladesh are heavily reliant on their spin bowlers to do the damage.

Published - 04 Jun 2019, 12:58 IST | Updated - 04 Jun 2019, 12:58 IST

2 Min Read

The World Cup thus far has produced some surprising results and is definitely living up to the expectations of the fans. Right after Bangladesh stunned the Proteas, England capitulated in the hands of Pakistan yesterday and things are turning ever so dramatic on the greatest stage in this fraternity.

A proper icing on the cake for the Tigers will be another win against another top side. This will lift their spirits so high they’d begin to believe in their quest to reach the pinnacle and perhaps the lift the trophy. All of it is too far away to think about, but certainly not too far-fetched.

Two sides with contrasting strengths will be in action on Wednesday. Whilst the Kiwis have a sensational fast bowling lineup, Bangladesh are heavily reliant on their spin bowlers to do the damage. They both have good attacking batsmen on the show as well, which should ensure some entertainment for the fans.

Playing Combinations

Bangladesh

Mortaza will not be willing to tinker with this settled lineup. If the likes of Mohammad Mithun and Mosaddek Hossain too get some runs, they will look indomitable. Mahmudullah provided a power-packed, matchwinning finish last game and will be looking to continue the good work. Shakib will be playing his 200th ODI and will share the spin responsibility with Mehidy Hasan and Mosaddek Hossain. Mustafizur being in form is a huge plus point for the Tigers.

Probable XI

Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Mustafizur Rahman

New Zealand

Tom Latham has recovered from his injury and will be replacing Tom Blundell in the XI. Guptill and Munro finished the game in style the last game which didn’t let the bowlers test the middle order. They have three good all-rounders in Neesham, Santner and Grandhomme in the XI alongside the three-man pace attack including Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson and Trent Boult.

Probable XI

Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (WK), James Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

Focus will be on

Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh)

Apart from the half-century in the first warm-up game, Tamim Iqbal has not looked very confident. The senior batsman needs some runs after his name and his experience will also be handy in facing this Kiwi bowling attack which includes a lot of world-class speedsters. If he can get them off to a good start, Bangladesh could do something brilliant.

Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

Without any doubts, Kane Williamson and Tom Latham are their two best players against spin. Skipper Williamson might be facing the spin heat right from ball one and there is a lot of quality on the other side. A big knock from his willow could solve half of New Zealand’s problems who historically have struggled against good spinners.