Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
New Zealand vs Bangladesh 1st Test Preview Dream11. NZ vs BAN 1st Test Preview Dream11 Prediction
Follow @cric_blog on Twitter and Instagram!
With a plethora of white-ball cricket around the world, attention turns to Test cricket in New Zealand. A rare, three match series for Bangladesh is peculiar timing with a World Cup fast approaching, but both sides have plenty to play for.
New Zealand are now the second ranked Test side, and will be out to maintain it. They have been on an excellent run in the format, beating England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the past year. They have an excellent opportunity to continue the form, with the only realistic reason of New Zealand underperforming is complacency. However, Kane Williamson is one to ensure that won’t be the case, as his side looks to continue its good run.
Bangladesh came to New Zealand full of hope. Instead, they have been on the wrong end of a very one-sided tour to date. With Sri Lanka achieving one of the most stunning upsets in Test history, Bangladesh can possibly dream of the same. However, with Shakib Al Hasan out and Mushfiqur Rahim in doubt, this may be too much to ask. Will Bangladesh put up a big fight, and continue on from three straight wins at home at the back end of last year?
Seeking Cricket World Cup 2019 Tickets?
Key to a New Zealand win
There is no secret that Bangladesh struggle against the moving ball. New Zealand possess two of the most potent swing bowlers in world cricket, which is a dangerous prospect for the Tigers’ batsmen. Trent Boult and Tim Southee are both in fine form, even getting the white ball to move prodigiously, and how they fare against the Bangladesh top order will be key. They have the potential to set the game up in the first ten overs with quick wickets a key element of their best form. Neil Wagner also continues to prove his worth in the Test shirt, and his big efforts will be key in keeping the pressure on a Bangladesh side struggling for form and continuity.
Also, will it be a ruthless display by New Zealand’s batsmen? Jeet Raval has been slightly disappointing of late at Test level, and has a great opportunity to get back in the runs. With Tom Latham dominant against Sri Lanka, and Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls and BJ Watling to follow, New Zealand have a top six that can grind Bangladesh down. However, the big key in this game will be how well and quickly New Zealand make the transition from white-ball cricket to Test cricket. Can New Zealand take full advantage of a side that often struggles for penetration in these conditions?
Cricket Tips: Five ways to improve as a cricket player!
Key to a Bangladesh win
Wouldn’t this be something?
It has been a nightmare tour to date for the Tigers. Faced with a moving ball in the ODIs, Bangladesh’s top order resembled deers caught in headlights. The test (no pun intended) gets no easier with the red ball to swing too, which places significant onus on the top order to show some fight.
Tamim Iqbal has been poor to date so far this tour, and will be key in helping Bangladesh settle into their innings. With both Shakib and Mushfiqur likely to be out, it is crucial for Bangladesh that the experienced Tamim and Mahmudullah contribute to the cause, along with the impressive Shadman Islam. Islam, along with Mominul Haque, have the technique and temperament Bangladesh need to be successful at this level, so their performance will be key. Will the likes of the consistent (not) Liton Das and Soumya Sarkar be given the platform to do well? With conditions expected to have something for the bowlers early before settling down, a strong start is crucial.
Also, will we be forced to send this to Bangladesh after the Test? Their bowlers have often struggled for penetration in conditions outside of theirs, with their seamers unable to find the movement and consistency required. The likes of Tom Latham and Kane Williamson will be key wickets to enable Bangladesh to get into New Zealand’s middle order. How much will the likes of Mustafizur Rahman threaten up top and then throughout the innings? Can Bangladesh find movement and success like Sri Lanka did in South Africa?
Possible Playing 11
New Zealand look pretty settled. Todd Astle was brought into the squad for Ajaz Patel, and will lineup as the spinner.
New Zealand: 1. Jeet Raval, 2. Tom Latham, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Ross Taylor, 5. Henry Nicholls, 6. BJ Watling (wk), 7. Colin de Grandhomme, 8. Tim Southee, 9. Todd Astle, 10. Neil Wagner, 11. Trent Boult
Cricket Tips: Five ways to improve as a cricket player!
Bangladesh, on the other hand, are anything but settled. Shakib Al Hasan is injured, and senior wicketkeeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim looks likely to miss out with a rib problem. Mohammad Mithun has recovered from a hamstring problem.
Bangladesh: 1. Tamim Iqbal, 2. Shadman Islam, 3. Mominul Haque, 4. Mohammad Mithun, 5. Mahmudullah (c), 6. Liton Das (wk), 7. Soumya Sarkar, 8. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9. Khaled Ahmed, 10. Abu Jayed, 11. Ebadat Hossain
Dream11 Prediction
Also read: Pros and cons of Dream11’s deadline time decision.
Key notes and stats:
- The team bowling first has had the better of the last three Tests as Seddon Park.
- BJ Watling has a steady record at Seddon Park, scoring 233 runs in six Tests at 33. Liton Das is yet to play a Test against New Zealand, and struggled against the swinging ball in the ODIs, but could be a good pick batting down the order when the ball swings less.
- Jeet Raval has a solid record at Seddon Park, scoring 233 runs at 46.60. With Kane Williamson (679 runs at 56.58) and Ross Taylor (762 runs at 54.43) possessing fine records at Hamilton, it might be worth selecting one of Tom Latham or Raval. Henry Nicholls, the world’s number five ranked Test batsman, is also a good option.
- In the Tests vs Sri Lanka, Latham scored 450 runs at 225, whereas Raval scored 123 at 41. However, Latham has a underwhelming record at Seddon Park, scoring 206 runs at 29.43. Of course, he might prefer the Bangladesh attack.
- This will be the biggest test so far for Shadman Islam, but his temperament is excellent. He is coming off 67 vs NZ XI in the tour match.
- Mahmudullah scored a Test century the last time he played at Seddon Park. Also, will Colin de Grandhomme and Todd Astle get a big say? As a result, Mehidy Hasan Miraz might be worth going for.
- Trent Boult and Tim Southee are must picks.
Option 1:
Option 2:
Also read: Top three SG Bats of 2019! Does the Rishabh Pant bat make number one?
Stats and Facts
- Bangladesh have won their last three Tests, but have lost all seven Tests in New Zealand.
- New Zealand have won 10 of their past 16 Tests, which includes four draws and just two defeats.
- Trent Boult and Tim Southee have a combined 51 wickets at Seddon Park. Boult averages just over 24. Southee just 20.
Match Prediction
I love an underdog and upset. However, this seems to be too far out of reach for Bangladesh right now.
New Zealand to win and take a 1-0 series lead.
Thanks for reading!
Follow @cric_blog on Twitter and Instagram!
New Zealand vs Bangladesh 1st Test Preview Dream11. NZ vs BAN 1st Test Preview Dream11 Prediction
Seeking Cricket World Cup 2019 Tickets?
New Zealand vs Bangladesh 1st Test Preview Dream11. NZ vs BAN 1st Test Preview Dream11 Prediction
