Bangladesh vs New Zealand 4th ODI, 14th October, Dhaka Cricket is an unpredictable game. It can be cruel or equally rewarding at times, for Bangladesh it has been the later. They have now taken a safe lead of 2-0 in a five match series with only two games to go.
Not very long ago their cricket had sunk into an abyss after losses to Netherlands and Ireland. Now they are enjoying perhaps the greatest run of form they’ve ever been in against strong Test teams.
New Zealand captain stated the obvious that his team mates are dejecting and their performance is disappointing. New Zealand are expected to fight and give themselves a chance to level the series. On 14th October in Dhaka we will probably see a fighting passionate game of cricket.
Bangladesh captain Shakib ul Hasan has expressed his views in white washing the Kiwis. He said that winning all the played games in the series is what he is eyeing. Shakib’s analysis is certainly a valid one. The Bangladesh captain was full of praise for his spinners, but also branded the wins as collective team effort with both bat and bowl complementing each other.
Young spinner Suhrawadi Shuvo bowled an amazing spell of three for 14 in his 10 overs. The pitch at Sher-e-Bangla stadium on Thursday is again expected to be slow. Spinners would make the most of the wicket. The overhead conditions in Dhaka might also suit seam bowling with the new ball. Batting would be difficult as the ball will turn and move around. Bangladesh controlled the previous game completely, they will look to repeat their all round performance.
Bangladesh have been victorious in three of the last five concluded games.
New Zealand would be a remorseful team. With the World Cup around the corner, their cricket has hit another low. The series against Bangladesh cannot be won, at maximum it can be drawn, but Kiwis even look far from drawing it.
The New Zealand have looked completely out of sorts. On Thursdays game there is only one option left for them: go hard or go home. They cannot afford another slip that would mean they would not be able to even draw the series level. Daniel Vettori the skipper looked dejected in the post conference.
He understands well that his team needs to put a speed gear to their game. The conditions at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium at Dhaka are likely to suit bowlers more. New Zealand now more desperate than ever, would want their bowlers particularly to win the remaining two games for them. Brendon McCullum has been in decent form but failed to fire in the last outing. Ross Taylor is another batsman Kiwis would look to. It is more likely that their bowlers would play a part if they are to setup a victory on 14th.
New Zealand have not won any of their last five completed games.