For all the hue and cry about spin-friendly Dahaka surface, the two Bangladesh seamers, Mustafizur Rahman and Mohammad Saifuddin turned out to be as challenging as the spin troika of Shakib Al Hasan, Mahedi Hasan and Nasum Ahmed. The bowlers have been a vital cog in Bangladesh’s recent T20I success.
Five wickets fell to each of pace and spin as New Zealand were bowled out for 60 – their joint lowest T20I total – in the opening T20I. The hosts, then took 15 overs, to chase a modest total.
Batting has not been easy here for anyone, let alone a debutant unfamiliar with these conditions. Rachin Ravindra has started his T20I career with a golden duck. He may not face the axe on just one failure, but New Zealand may change his batting position. One of Tom Blundell and Tom Latham may pair Will Young at the top. Finn Allen, too, is back after returning two negative RT-PCR tests.
Ajaz Patel was terrific in the opening T20I, conceding just seven runs from his quota of four overs and picking a wicket. He, along with Ravindra and Cole McConchie, will be the primary spin options for the visitors.
Bangladesh are likely to go unchanged. They will expect more from the opening pair of Mohammad Naim and Liton Das. Other than that, there is no visible problem with their squad.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Shakib Al Hasan was Player of the Match for his contributions with both bat and ball. He is an ideal captain of your team.
- Among wicketkeepers, pick both Mushfiqur Rahim and Blundell. Though Nurul Hasan will be the man behind the stumps, Mushfiqur bats at No. 4, and should fetch more points.
- Mustafizur and Ajaz are must-haves for your team.
Probable XI:
Bangladesh: Mahmudullah (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Das, Mohammad Naim, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mahedi Hasan, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum Ahmed
New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Colin de Grandhomme, Cole McConchie, Ajaz Patel, Scott Kuggeleijn, Blair Tickner, Doug Bracewell
Prediction:
New Zealand never looked at ease in the opening T20I. Bangladesh should make it 2-0.
Blitzpools Fantasy Team
Mushfiqur Rahim, Tom Blundell, Henry Nicholls, Mahmudullah, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Doug Bracewell, Mustafizur Rahman (vc), Nasum Ahmed, Mohammad Saifuddin, Ajaz Patel
