Bangladesh are unlikely to entertain the idea of playing a decider after thoroughly dominating the opponents. In contrast, New Zealand would do all in their might to sneak in another victory and keep the series alive. A riveting contest awaits as both sides will be up against each other in the fourth T20I, on Wednesday, 8 September.
One of the highlights of this series has been how a relatively inexperienced spin attack of New Zealand outsmarted the Bangladeshi counterpart. So much so that the top-three leading wicket-takers of the series so far have been Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra and Cole McConchie.
Patel and McConchie were the architects of their team's first win on the tour. The duo combined seven wickets between them to skittle the host for just 76 runs. Ravindra was equally impressive, conceding just 13 from his quota of four overs.
However, New Zealand's batting hasn't been reassuring. They ended up losing half of their wickets for just 62 runs. It was a brilliant 66-run partnership between Tom Blundell and Henry Nicholls that propelled them to 128. Both Blundell and Nicholls are good against spin, and New Zealand may promote them up the order.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, are unlikely to be bothered by their second T20I defeat in the last eight matches. Their top-four was back in the hut by the seventh over in the last game.
It is not that they have not been in such situations, but Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah have bailed them out. Here, three of their batters got ducks, while Mushfiqur’s 20 was the highest score of the innings.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Bowlers have dominated the series, and will continue to do so. Patel, Nasum Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman are must-haves for your fantasy team.
- Among batters, place your bet on Mahmudullah, Finn Allen and Henry Nicholls.
- Shakib, Ravindra and McConchie are safe-bets to have as all-rounders.
Probable XI:
Bangladesh: Mahmudullah (c), Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wk), Liton Das, Mohammad Naim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.
New Zealand: Tom Latham (c & wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Colin de Grandhomme, Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell, Cole McConchie, Hamish Bennett, Ajaz Patel, Jacob Duffy.
Prediction:
Bangladesh to win the game and the series.
Blitzpools Fantasy Team:
Tom Latham, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Henry Nicholls, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra (c), Cole MConchie, Shakib Al Hasan (vc), Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum Ahmed