Bangladesh find itself in a decent position in the ICC World Cup with one win and one loss in the first two matches. Another victory in their face-off against New Zealand on Friday would undoubtedly give them a significant boost ahead of their next clash against India on October 19.
Before that crucial encounter, Bangladesh is preparing to face New Zealand, a familiar opponent. However, memories of their recent series against New Zealand, just before the World Cup, are ones the team would prefer to put behind them.
In the second match in the World Cup against England, Bangladesh made a notable change, substituting Mahmudullah Riyad with Mahedi Hasan. The decision was influenced by various factors, including the playing conditions and the opponent. This shift also led to alterations in the batting order.
For instance, Mehidy Hasan Miraz batted at number three in the first match but was assigned a different position in the second. These frequent changes appear to have affected the team`s batting performance.
Najmul Hossain Shanto has been solid at number three, but he didn`t find the same place in the lineup against Afghanistan. Mehidy, filling in for him, notched a fifty. In the subsequent match against England, Shanto returned to his original position but faced a disappointing first-ball dismissal, and Mehidy also failed to deliver what was expected of him.
With these alterations in mind, all eyes will be on Bangladesh`s batting performance in the upcoming match. The team management`s handling of these changes could be pivotal to their success.
The Bangladesh team appears unfazed by the discussions surrounding them. Najmul Hossain Shanto, the vice-captain of the Tigers, expressed that they are focused on delivering a strong performance against New Zealand.
"I believe we made a good start to the World Cup," he stated on Thursday. "It’s true that we couldn`t play well against England. For now, we are looking to excel in the upcoming match."
Shanto said they have no worries about frequent changes in the batting order; they are rather looking to bat with freedom in mind.
While Bangladesh grapples with the challenge of determining their optimal batting order, New Zealand is buoyed by the return of their captain, Kane Williamson. The right-handed batsman last took the field in January, contending with a series of injuries since.
Now deemed fit to play against Bangladesh, his presence is eagerly anticipated. Unfortunately, Tim Southee, the eminent pacer of the Blackcaps, who has historically excelled against Bangladesh, will not be partaking in this match due to an ongoing injury.
"Tim`s progressing well, but won`t be playing tomorrow`s game," Williamson conveyed in the pre-match press conference.
While Williamson is set to make a comeback, New Zealand are bound to change their playing XI. Bangladesh may also give it a thought to bring in the genuine spinner Nasum Ahmed, considering the spin-friendly nature of Chennai’s surface.
The match will begin at 2:30 pm (Bangladesh time) and will be telecast live by T Sports, Gazi TV, and other online streaming platforms.
