New Zealand vs Bangladesh – 3rd One-Day International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is New Zealand vs Bangladesh taking place? Thursday, March 25th, 2021 – 22:00 (UK)
Where is New Zealand vs Bangladesh taking place? Basin Reserve, Wellington
What is the expected weather for New Zealand vs Bangladesh? 21c with sunshine
What channel is New Zealand vs Bangladesh on? The match will be televised live on BT Sport 2
Where can I stream New Zealand vs Bangladesh? The match can be streamed live the BT Sport app and website
LAST MEETING
New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 5 wickets
THE TEAM NEWS
NEW ZEALAND
- The second one-day international was a much closer contest between New Zealand and Bangladesh but the hosts still managed to grab the win with five wickets and ten balls to spare to take an unassailable two-game lead in the three-match series.
- The bowling attack did not enjoy as much success as they did in the opening ODI as the fifth bowling option shared by Neesham and Mitchell saw their ten overs go for 81 runs, and they will be looking to improve on that in this dead rubber and put the tourists’ batsmen under pressure again.
- They may contemplate bringing in all-rounder Mark Chapman for this game with nothing on the line while Tim Southee could also rotate back in if he is deemed fit enough ahead of the T20 series.
BANGLADESH
- Bangladesh made plenty of improvements in the second one-day international and were much more competitive but they still ultimately lost so they come into this final game of the series with nothing but pride to play for.
- They were not helped in the second innings when trying to defend their solid total of 271/6 by the calf injury sustained by Mustafizur Rahman who was forced to stop bowling and leave the field and they will make a late decision on whether he plays here or whether they preserve him for the T20s.
- Hasan Mahmud is the contender to come back into the side and replace him if they do decide to rest Mustafizur Rahman but otherwise they will likely retain the same line-up as they try build on the performance and get a win here.
THE PREDICTION
After a dominant win in the first one-day international, the tourists pushed New Zealand much closer last time out which will give them confidence despite the series being over. Bangladesh will know they have to put a bigger total on the scoreboard if they are to apply more pressure on the Blackcaps although it could well be the case that whoever wins the toss, they switch it around and make the tourists chase here. There were some positive signs for Bangladesh with Tamim Iqbal’s form improving and Mohammad Mithun producing some exceptional hitting but they still need to put more runs on the board. New Zealand may potentially ease off the gas a little but they have enough players who will be keen to do well ahead of the T20s. They should still have enough quality to ease to a third win to seal the whitewash even if Bangladesh do manage to push them all the way.
