The first ODI at Mirpur was Shakib ul Hasan’s show, when Bangladesh produced an upset against New Zealand. Bangladesh won the first meeting by nine runs (D/L method). Even though New Zealand bowlers bowled tight length and troubled most of the Bangaladeh batsmen, it was Shakib’s all round performance that brought about the shock result.
Bangladesh is a team which holds mixed reviews from fans and experts of cricket. Some say it’s a talented coup of young players ready to announce themselves any moment, while others argue that they are not worthy of playing Test cricket. With the later opinion becoming stronger day by day, The ODI win against Kiwis was a welcome one.
However, in the past Bangladesh have achieved victories greater to this but have failed to cement a place as a respectable side in cricket. Ascendancy of smaller teams like Ireland, Afghanistan and Netherlands over the last few years has only contributed to pile up pressure on Bangladesh. Before the first ODI, they had lost three of their last five matches including defeats to Ireland and Netherlands. They have livened up after the first ODI; they always have loud and cheering home support. With their confidence high, it should be a fascinating encounter.
New Zealand continue their variable form in all formats of the game. Sometimes defying odds and reaching finals of ICC Champions Trophy, other times losing to Bangladesh in a scratchy performance.
Their bowling has done reasonably well, but their batting misery continues despite Brendon McCullum being in good form. New Zealand who have arguably one of the most inspiring and charismatic captains Daniel Vettori know what their role is now in the series. Complacency is intolerable now. Having won only one of their last five encounters the Kiwis captain admitted that his side will have to get their act together before the second ODI starts. When Kiwis are at their best, they are a side worth watching.
Bangladesh in front of their eccentric crowd would look to dismantle New Zealand again, while Vettori’s men would be desperate to bring themselves back in the series.