Bangladesh looked in ominous form in their seven-wicket win in the first T20I, after bowling out New Zealand for just 60 and then reaching the target in 15 overs. He continued where he finished, after being dismissed for a total of 62 in the fifth T20I against Australia. But it was not just their spinners who did all the damage.
Mustafizur Rahman and Mohammad Saifuddin shared five wickets between them, and ensured that New Zealand could not recover from a disastrous 9 for 4. Of course, three Bangladesh spinners were to blame, as they had 5 for 30. Ten overs.
New Zealand Got off to a Poor Start in the First T20I:
New Zealand have had a poor start in the first T20I. But it was almost certain, as he played right into Bangladesh’s plans. Debutant Rachin Ravindra was dropped in the first over to return his chip to Mahedi Hasan. Whereas Will Young and Tom Blundell should have been more protective of their stumps while going back on the delivery. Another debutante Cole McConchie was also dismissed for a soft shot to midwicket.
Colin de Grandhomme, Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls get out trying to play big shots. Latham was a bit unlucky against a poor delivery from Saifuddin. While Nicholls had misread the slow ball. And de Grandhomme had the right idea. But his slog sweep found the fielder over the long leg boundary.
Bangladesh’s Accurate Bowling is the Main Reason for New Zealand’s Downfall:
Bangladesh regularly bowled accurately between the wickets, which was the main reason for New Zealand’s downfall. Mehdi gave them the right start. On which Shakib Al Hasan and Nasum Ahmed took three more wickets in the powerplay. When Rahman and Saifuddin kept the pressure up. So it was clear that the audience would have a hard time getting close to the three-figure mark.
However, how Mohammad Naeem and Liton Das got out in the chase of a small target. This may disappoint the home team a bit. Naeem has taken a tough stand against Zimbabwe and Australia. While Das is making a comeback after a short break. It may get better as the series progresses. Again, their lesson is how Shakib, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah batted for the rest of the match. And saved Bangladesh a lot.
In the headlines :
Mohammad Saifuddin has shown a knack for taking important wickets, as he did on Wednesday when he removed Latham and Nicholls, when they looked to be strong long enough to give New Zealand some rest. Saifuddin mixes his pace well, and isn’t too smart about his ambitions of securing a regular spot in the Bangladesh line-up in both the white-ball teams.
Tom Latham looked like the best-equipped batsman to tackle Bangladesh’s bowlers on these pitches before he was caught at fine leg by Saifuddin. He rotated the strike with confidence, and kept Nicholls comfortable at the other end even though the two came together at the crease and the score was 9 for 4.
Team news :
Bangladesh is unlikely to change its XI.
Bangladesh (Probable): 1 Mohammad Naeem, 2 Liton Das, 3 Shakib Al Hasan, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim, 5 Mahmudullah (captain), 6 Nurul Hasan (wk), 7 Afif Hossain, 8 Mahedi Hasan, 9 Mohammad Saifuddin, 10 Mustafizur Rahman , 11 Nasum Ahmed
Unless Allen is cleared to play on Friday, change is unlikely for New Zealand either.
Bangladesh Dismissed Teams for Less than 100 in Consecutive Matches for the First Time:
Bangladesh has dismissed teams for less than 100 in consecutive matches for the first time. After bowling Australia out for 62 in their last T20I in August, they bowled out New Zealand for 60, the lowest score against them.
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