As most of New Zealand prepares for a New Year’s Eve party, Nelson is set to host a damp squib dead rubber in the third one day international between New Zealand and Bangladesh. New Zealand has dominated the series thus far, recording easy wins in Christchurch and Nelson, and look set to do the same in the Nelson finale.
A series sweep the aim for New Zealand, and pride and momentum for Bangladesh as there is still plenty of cricket to be played on this tour.
Game one was dominated by the bats of Colin Munro and Tom Latham as the Black Caps registered a win by 77 runs.
Game two in Nelson was a different story. Bangladesh had chances throughout and managed to restrict the home side to just 251. In response, the Bangladesh chase was under control at 105/1 before a massive collapse (including three wickets to part-timer Kane Williamson) saw the tourists lose their way completely. They eventually lost by 67 runs.
New Zealand (likely):
1 Martin Guptill, 2 Tom Latham, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Neil Broom, 5 James Neesham, 6 Colin Munro, 7 Luke Ronchi (wk), 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Jeetan Patel, 11 Trent Boult
The slow nature of the Saxton Oval wicket and the presence of three left-handers in the Bangladesh top five is likely to see the recently added Jeetan Patel play his first ODI since 2009. Patel’s been in okay form plying his trade in New Zealand’s domestic T20 tournament, the McDonalds Super Smash.
Bangladesh (likely):
1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Imrul Kayes, 3 Sabbir Rahman, 4 Mahmudullah, 5 Shakib Al Hasan, 6 Mosaddek Hossain, 7 Nurul Hasan, 8 Tanbir Hayder, 9 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 10 Mustafizur Rahman, 11 Taskin Ahmed
Mustafizur will probably come back in after being rested for game two. Subashis Roy is the player likely to make way. Additionally, Mehedi Hasan should make his first appearance of the series for the same reason New Zealand have included Patel. The 19-year old enjoyed an exceptional test series against England in October and needs to be given an opportunity in limited-overs cricket.
New Zealand
It’s a big game for Neil Broom. Granted the middle order batsman is coming off a hundred, which in some circumstance might buy him more time in the number four position, but with Ross Taylor just around the corner (Taylor scored 82 for Central Districts in a domestic T20 game against Auckland yesterday to show he’s nearing a return). Broom needs runs again to guarantee a place at number five for the Australian series and for the Champions Trophy. A batsman who can control the middle overs is exactly what NZ need. If Broom can do the same in Nelson as he did in game two he will well and truly have the inside running.
Bangladesh
The last time Mahmudullah was in the Southern Hemisphere he was unstoppable. He scored back-to-back World Cup hundreds, amassed 365 runs and averaged 73. In this series, however, he’s scored just one run across the two matches. Bangladesh needs more out of the experienced right-hander if they are to salvage some pride from the one day international series and take some confidence through to the T20 series.
New Zealand – $1.19
Bangladesh – $4.80
*All odds courtesy of Palmerbet.
Despite some wobbles in both of the opening two games of the series, New Zealand’s overall quality has eventually got them through. The same will happen here again with New Zealand winning a low scoring encounter. New Zealand by 6 wickets or 57 runs.
If you think Mahmudullah is due to score runs the $5.50 on him to top score is incredibly attractive.
And Jeetan Patel might come into the markets nicely priced. He hasn’t been added as yet, but look out for the odds of him being the unlikely top bowler for New Zealand.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
