New Zealand vs Bangladesh, 3rd ODI, Preview: Visitors battle injury concerns amidst Kiwis’ domination

Colin Munro makes a comeback in the squad.

Published - 19 Feb 2019, 13:31 IST | Updated - 19 Feb 2019, 13:31 IST

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Bangladesh started the New Zealand tour with a closely-fought warm-up match, which they lost by two wickets. However, the international fixtures have turned out to be equivalent to a nightmare for Mashrafe Mortaza and Co. Not only did they lose in Napier and Christchurch, but also surrendered tamely. The absence of Shakib Al Hasan, their premier all-rounder, hurt them big time.

Their top order hasn’t done anything of sorts and it’s only because of the resistance from the lower-order batsmen that the Tigers were able to cross the 200-run mark in their previous encounters. Talking about the bowling, it has been toothless, to say the least. Bangladesh’s bowling average in this series is 114.50, which is their worst in 14 years. In both games, they only got four wickets.

The third and final One-Dayer is scheduled to be played tomorrow at the University Oval in Dunedin and the bowlers are expected to come under the pump as the track at the venue is deemed to be a batting paradise. In the meantime, the Black Caps are brimming with confidence after the thumping victories and they wouldn’t leave any stones unturned in whitewashing the hapless Tigers.

Team Combination

New Zealand

The hosts will rest Kane Williamson and the captaincy mantle will be shouldered by Tom Latham. Colin Munro will open the batting with Martin Guptill with Henry Nicholls at number three. Tim Southee hasn’t got a game and he might replace one of Boult, Henry and Ferguson in the lineup. Mitchell Santner didn’t play the second game after impressing in the first game and he may get an opportunity.

Probable XI

Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (C & WK), Jimmy Neesham/Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Trent Boult/Tim Southee

Bangladesh

Mohammad Mithun won’t play this game owing to a hamstring injury and hence, Mominul Haque will replace him. Mushfiqur Rahim also reported a rib-cage injury and the decision on his participation would be taken tomorrow morning. In that case, Nayeem Hasan may be drafted in. Mohammad Saifuddin has been the most shoddy among the pacers and Rubel Hossain may get a chance in place of him.

Probable XI

Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim (WK)/Nayeem Hasan, Mominul Haque (WK), Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Mohammad Saifuddin/Rubel Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza, Mustafizur Rahman

Focus will be on

Colin Munro- New Zealand

Munro floundered in the ODI series against India and eventually lost his place in the ODI team. After sitting out for a few matches, he would be keen to get his form back and it’s a great chance for him as the Bangladesh bowlers have looked lacklustre in the first two encounters. Ahead of the World Cup in May-July, this could turn out to be a make-or-break outing for the southpaw.

Soumya Sarkar- Bangladesh

Sarkar was one of the very few Bangladesh batsmen who looked in good touch in both the contests. However, he was guilty of not being able to carry on and getting dismissed after getting the starts. He also has scored at a strike-rate of 100 plus and is the only Tigers’ batsman to do so in the series. The Satkhira-born batsman would want to make amends and get a substantial score under his belt.