It is now established that with ICC T20 World Cup 2021 looming at UAE and Oman no participating team would gain much playing on slow, low, gripping wickets of Sher-e -Bangla National Stadium (SBNCS) Dhaka. ICC curators would definitely prepare sporting wickets ensuring equal opportunities for bowlers and batsmen. Not questioning at all the Bangladesh commendable success of achieving 4-1 series win against Australia, we find it nothing wrong in choosing a weakened KIWI squad for a 5 match T20 International series against Bangladesh. New Zealand also announced strong squad for ICC T20 world cup , Squad for ODI and T20 series against Pakistan.
Having some knowledge of blooming KIWI cricket off late there is still quality players in the squad to compete evenly against Bangladesh.
As a member of Black Caps and White Fern cricket family I have reasonable idea of New Zealand Cricket. The players of this beautiful country of small population are now tough competitors and play to win in fair manners.
Off course Bangladesh on known surface would start strong favorites for winning the series or even achieving another Banglawash.
If we look back in retrospect we find even Bangladesh could bat at well in all the five matches of the just concluded series against Australia .It is the deep knowledge of the wicket and horses for the courses expert bowlers Bangladesh could successfully low scores. BCB should soul search how much its own team gained and would be gaining playing on such wickets. Off course keeping the winning momentum going and winning series against stronger opposition build confidence, self-belief. Younger players playing fearless cricket and captain Mahmudullah Riad marshaling his resources diligently was another achievement.
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Kiwi Squad Against Bangladesh: Tom Latham (Captain), Fin Allen, Hamish Barnett,Tom Bludell,Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Jacob Duffy, Scott Kuggeleijn, Cole McConchie, Henry Nicholls, Ajaj Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Blair Tickner, Will Young.
New Zealand Squad For ICC T20 World Cup 2021
Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, and Adam Milne
True that the squad does not have many names known to Bangladesh, but given the revolutionary evolution of quality cricket in New Zealand this squad even cannot be taken lightly. Latham, Nicholls, Allen, Tom Blundell, Grandhomme are more than capable players donning black caps. Bracewell, Young, Ravindra and Sears are also blooming bud. So, Bangladesh may not loose much not having to play against Southee, Boult, Jamieson, Ferguson, Williamson, Conway, Guptill and the co.
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Business as usual Bangladesh should win easy or may even achieve Banglawash. Tamim must not be hurried into series. Return of Mushfique and Liton should stabilize the top order batting. Rubel, Taskin, Nazmul Shanto, Pervez Emon, Towhid Hridoy may be tried at some stage. Aminul Islam Biplob should be considered. Shakib, Mustafiz may be given rest to reduce work load after first few matches. This series will be the last opportunity for testing some combinations for the World Cup.
We know that it is impossible changing character of wickets in such a short time. Moreover, rainy season also compounds challenges. But all out efforts may be made to prepare at least one pacey, bouncy wicket.
Kiwis are perfect gentlemen. They have no arrogance. They are great friends of Bangladesh. Bangladesh must extend total hospitality. Bangladesh must bear in mind that they are world test Champions and ODI runners up. They are a potential contender of ICC T20 world cup. Bangladesh got blown away in their last visit to the land of the Kiwis.
BDST: 1228 HRS, AUG 11, 2021
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