Chennai: Shakib Al Hasan’s Bangladesh will hope that their spinners play a major role against New Zealand at Chepauk during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
New Zealand have shown clinical precision in this World Cup so far. They’ve been flawless in their two wins, which shows in their net run rate of 1.958.
However, the Black Caps will be aware that a different kind of challenge awaits them in Chennai. They will be up against a class spin bowling line-up on a surface that is expected to take turn.
However, the Kiwis themselves carry one of the better spin attacks in the tournament. Their lead spinner, Mitchell Santner picked a five-for in their last league encounter. The likes of Ish Sodhi and Rachin Ravindra are handy options as well.
Regular skipper Kane Williamson is a strong possibility to return for the game, even as pacer Tim Southee is expected to sit out.
Bangladesh’s confidence was dented with a big loss against England. But the Tigers have enough experience in sub-continental conditions, and will look to employ their tweakers to exploit the Chennai wicket. They will also hope for a better outing from their batters, especially the top-order.
Najmul Hossain Shanto played a crucial role in securing Bangladesh’s win over Afghanistan in their opening game of the tournament. Despite his failure against England, the southpaw remains an important top-order contributor.
Bangladesh will hope that he partners with Litton Das to give them a strong start. Shanto, who is 33 runs away from 1000 runs in ODI cricket, will also be required to counter the New Zealand left-arm spinners and take the Bangladesh innings ahead in the middle overs.
Along with Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry has been a consistent performer with the ball for the Black Caps. He’s their second-highest wicket-taker with six scalps at an average of 14.66. His economy rate has been an impressive 4.75.
His back-to-back three-wicket hauls played an important role in New Zealand’s two wins in the tournament. And given the manner in which India and Australia pacers thrived on the slow Chennai wicket, Henry might have a crucial role to play against Bangladesh.
Squads
Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan (c), Litton Kumer Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (vc), Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young. (UNI)