NZ v BAN, 3rd ODI Preview: New Zealand on brink of yet another clean sweep

While New Zealand clinched an impressive win in Saxton Oval at Nelson a couple of days ago, it will be visitors Bangladesh who will be kicking themselves for shooting themselves in the foot after being in what many perceived to be a winning position. However, in spite of all this, Bangladesh national coach Chandika Haturusingha will be hopeful that this will be a keen learning experience as far as they are set to take on one and all when it comes to playing in overseas conditions.

The third and final ODI will be played at the Saxton Oval once again in Nelson. However, the wicket is also expected to remain similar in the sense that it will be dead rubber that the players will be playing. Therefore, it is highly expected that spin will play a massive role in the grand scheme of things thus making the toss an important one to win.

Prelude

Two gentlemen are very much a part of the pre-match buildup to the third ODI. Neil Broom has been terrific with the bat, but the spotlight comes on Jeetan Patel. The 36-year old made a shocking return to the side whilst on tour in India and is now also recalled to the ODI side for the final ODI. Of course, while his numbers in domestic cricket certainly go on to tell a certain tale, he will be expected to add as much value as he can.

Another player who has been in the news lately has been Tim Southee. While the 28-year old has gone on to miss a massive chunk of cricket in recent times, he has been ever-present for the Kiwis in the context of this ODI series. He has also gone on to concede that it will be a challenge to keep the visitors out of a win as the two sides collide in the final ODI of the series.

Neil Broom’s act of defiance

It was seven years since Neil Broom had made his ODI debut. However, his unbeaten 109 was also the first time he had ventured into the three-figure mark, something only John Wright has surpassed him in. While this is surely an inspiring story, the 251 New Zealand managed was also one of their lowest scores when it came to playing within their own conditions and in their backyard. While all this is there for one and all to see, a hallmark of Broom’s innings was the fact that he was able to weigh in the anchor in the innings, something that has clearly not been the case for most New Zealand batsmen in recent times.

Needless to say, the Kiwis will be hoping for more of the same as Broom sets himself for his second ODI ton against Bangladesh at Nelson.

New Zealand

Jeetan Patel is expected to make his way into the side at the expense of Colin de Grandhomme and Matt Henry. This also comes after the abundance of spin available on the track, evidence of which can be found in the fact that Kane Williamson, a part-timer picked three wickets on the day. Lockie Ferguson could be replaced in the side with Trent Boult expected to come in as the former has not had the best of times lately. Colin Munro will be expected to bat up the order.

Bangladesh

A discombobulated Bangladesh has realized what can happen when a team is riddled with as many injuries as they are at the moment. The absence of Mustafizur Rahman and Mushfiqur Rahim has hit them a lot harder than they would have expected, meaning that the disjointed side would be in a massive constraint when it comes to planning their resources when it comes to such a time. No changes are expected from the Bangladesh side in the final ODI.

Probable XI

New Zealand:

Kane Williamson (C), Luke Ronchi (wk), Tom Latham, Martin Guptill, Neil Broom, James Neesham, Colin Munro, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Jeetan Patel

Bangladesh:

Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Nurul Hasan (WK), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Shakib-al-Hasan, Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Mossadek Hossain, Tanbir Hayder, Subashis Roy, Taskin Ahmed

StAttack:

1. Neil Broom completed his first ODI century 7 years after making his debut. However, he is behind former skipper John Wright who took nine years to complete the feat.

2. Luke Ronchi requires just one dismissal to complete 100 ODI dismissals.

3. Tim Southee requires 2 wickets to complete 150 ODI wickets.

4. Mahmudullah requires 145 runs to complete 5000 ODI runs. His teammate and opener Imrul Kayes require 171 runs to complete 2000 ODI runs.