Having followed ball to ball performance of Black Caps success in all formats of International cricket during this COVID pandemic I will not completely rule out Team Tigers proving competitive in ODI series. Knowing well what Bangladesh can deliver in ODI even without services of Shakib and Mashrafee I can assure that Bangladesh will perform far better than West Indies and Pakistan at least in ODI if they play to full potential.
From the information received from my reliable contacts in New Zealand I am aware that despite of intensive quarantining at Christchurch for two weeks with limited exposure to practice facilities the team is in high spirits. They are now practicing in heavenly Queenstown. I am sure team has seen live telecast of Australia New Zealand T20 series and felt the strength and weaknesses of key black cap players. I am sure coaching staff and team management would set right strategy for the team.
The first strategy should be exploiting the weaknesses of inform Guptill, Conway and Neesham. Bangladesh bowlers must not feed them with space outside their off stump. Latham and Taylor are two other senior batsmen Bangladesh bowlers should set plan to get early. Hope in the first match at small, windy University Oval pace attack would be rightly set. Of this team Saifuddin and Rubel have past proven experience. I will suggest playing at least one among Hasan Mahmood, Sarifuddin and Taskin to pair with Mustafiz the Bangladesh leader of pace attack at this moment. Bangladesh bowlers must not bowl too short of two full. I am not sure spinners would be much of an use . Spinners in the windy condition would find it challenging. Mahmudullah and Meraj for their all round abilities would be in the team in any way. Would suggest exploring the option of playing Mosaddeq in the all rounder category.
Bangladesh has to contain the opening burst of top quality Southee and Boult over the first 10 overs with losing too many wickets. Jameison should be in a bit low in spirit after being collared by Flinch and Maxwell. Possiblly Henry would play. Bangladesh has played him in the past. If Tamim or Liton can dig deep and Mushfique and Mahmudullah build innings Bangladesh should produce 270-280 taking advantage of one prong Kiwi attack. Each batsmen must put price on their wicket. Set batsmen must not throw wickets. Bangladesh must remain positive all the way playing fearless but controlled cricket.
Tamim and Liton for left and right hand combinations would be OK to start. Tamim should anchor the innings .As captain we are sure he will do that. Rotating the strikes would be as important as blasting fours and sixes early on. Soumya for his experience of playing well in the past in New Zealand should bat at three if he is taken in the first eleven. But if there is early fall of the first wicket would suggest slotting Mahmudullah Riad batting at three. Apart from Mushfique, Mahmudullah has the best skill and temperament for playing under pressure. In 2015 he played exceptionally well even in New Zealand, Middle order should be in the competent hands of Mushfique, Mithun, Meraj and Mosaddeq, Mushfique must put a price on his wicket as batting would rotate around him. Saifuddin and two pacers should complete the team.
Again pointing out that good competitive performance in the first match would of immense value for keeping the spirits high. Whatever be the form and fitness of Black Caps in all formats they are also vulnerable. Hope team tigers have done enough home works. A complete teamwork can even bring victory for the tigers. Bangladesh must not die before death. In the month of our glorious liberation war hope tigers would leave nothing unturned. Bangladesh must play carefree brave cricket and must not crumble under weights of expectations.
BDST: 1405 HRS, MAR 12, 2021
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