NZ v Ban World T20 Preview: Wounded Tigers aim to end tour on a high

Bangladesh lost a heartbreaking encounter against hosts India the other day that knocked them out of the race for semis in the World T20. The team did well for 39.3 overs in the match, however, lost the plot during the final 3 deliveries that cost them the match. New Zealand, on the other hand, have looked the most consistent side in the competition and has already qualified for the knockout match. The Kiwis are certain to finish on top of Group 2 regardless of the result of this or other remaining matches.

New Zealand:

Carrying confidence through to the semifinals will be crucial when the Black Caps face the Tigers. New Zealand has far too much quality for a Bangladesh side, who haven’t tasted victory in the second stage of group play. Slipping up won’t be the end of the world for the Black Caps, but it would raise concerns on the eve of the knockout stage. The team will be wary of this and will look to continue the winning momentum.

Martin Guptill has been in tremendous form and he showcased his class against Pakistan by smashing 80 from 48 balls. He will want a similar performance tomorrow and out-bat the opposition. Mitchell Santner, the left-arm spinner, has been outstanding in the World T20. He is New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker with eight scalps at an average of 8.75, and an impressive economy rate of just 5.83. He will want to continue making an impact on a pitch that is likely to assist spin. The likes of Kane Williamson, Grant Elliot and Corey Anderson will also be looking for a hit ahead of the semis.

Bangladesh:

The Tigers seemed to be heading to an upset victory over the much-fancied hosts, needing two runs off the final three balls, but blew it. It will be difficult for the team to lift themselves for this inconsequential match. Bangladesh played well in the qualifying rounds and much was expected from them however they were not up to the mark in the Superb 10. Captain Skipper Mashrafe Mortaza will have his work cut out in lifting the moral of his demoralized side.

Star batsman Tamim Iqbal will be crucial to the team’s chances and will want to give a positive start. He has been in superb form in recent times and gave his team a perfect start against India. Shakib Al Hasan has also done well with the bat as well as the ball and will want to end the competition on a personal high. Mahmudullah will once again be the batsman heavily relied upon by his team.

Form guide: (last five completed matches, most recent first)

New Zealand WWWWW

Bangladesh LLLWW

Pitch and Conditions:

The Eden Gardens pitch is expected to be good for batting, however, may assist spinners more than the faster men. The lighting fast outfield and short boundaries mean once can expect a reasonably high-scoring match. The fact that both sides have nothing to gain or lose is likely to encourage them to play with more freedom.

Probable XI-

New Zealand:

Kane Williamson (C), Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Corey Anderson, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Luke Ronchi (wk), Mitchell Santner, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi.

Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Sabbir Rahman, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Shuvagata Hom, Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Al-Amin Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Abu Hider.

Stats:

1. Martin Guptill is 9 short of 1800 T20I runs.

2. Al-Amin Hossain and Mashrafe Mortaza, both are 3 short of 40 T20I wickets.