Bangladesh vs New Zealand – 2nd T20 International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Bangladesh vs New Zealand taking place? Friday, September 3rd, 2021 – 11:00 (UK)
Where is Bangladesh vs New Zealand taking place? Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur
What is the expected weather for Bangladesh vs New Zealand? 30-33c with sunny intervals descending into partial clouds and light winds.
What channel is Bangladesh vs New Zealand on? The match will not be televised in the UK.
Where can I stream Bangladesh vs New Zealand? This match cannot be streamed in the UK.
LAST MEETING
Bangladesh beat New Zealand by seven wickets.
THE TEAM NEWS
BANGLADESH
- Bangladesh got off to a wonderful start in this five-match T20i series, bowling New Zealand out for just 60 in 16.5 overs in the first game between the two sides, chasing the target down comfortably.
- It was an excellent all-round performance from the Bangladesh bowling unit with five of the six bowlers picking up at least one wicket, captain Mahmudullah the only player wicketless.
- Following such a commanding victory, it would be a surprise if Bangladesh were to alter their team here, particularly with the batters having not been given a real chance to produce a knock of significance chasing such a small total.
NEW ZEALAND
- New Zealand’s weakened side were comprehensively beaten in the opening T20i, as they were simply unable to get to grips with the Bangladesh bowling on such a difficult batting track.
- The highest score accrued by a Kiwi batter was a pitiful 18, managed by both stand-in captain Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls, with their score of 60 giving the bowlers little to no chance of defending the score.
- Whilst the temptation may be to make changes after such a thumping defeat, but when taking into account the difficulty of conditions from a batting perspective, the same team may be afforded a second chance here.
THE PREDICTION
There was a worry that this New Zealand side would struggle in conditions they are not used to playing in against an experienced Bangladesh outfit and those fears came true in the first T20i. Such a spin-friendly track suited the hosts down to the ground and little is expected to change in this second encounter. Whilst New Zealand would likely put up more of a fight with their IPL bound players available, they have no choice but to rely on this largely second-string team to learn and improve as the series goes on. However, things are not expected to get any easier for them here and Bangladesh have to be favoured with their strong spin-bowling unit in particular to secure a second win of the series.
