New Zealand vs Bangladesh Preview: Which side will be first to go back to back in this years WC

The Nightwatchman
Jun 5, 2019
3 min read

Bangladesh are looking to go back to back against New Zealand

Bangladesh produced the first upset of the World Cup, beating South Africa after many predicted South Africa to bounce back after their first up defeat.

In truth, South Africa contributed massively to their own downfall. Faf du Plessis probably should have batted first, they didn't bowl well, were uncharacteristically sloppy in the field and lost their key man in the chase- Quinton de Kock- to a suicidal run-out. It also didn't help that fast bowler Lungi Ngidi hobbled off injured after just four overs.

But Bangladesh certainly played their part. They had a good idea of what was a good score, played the right shots at the right time and chipped away at South Africa's batting order through good, disciplined bowling, knowing that scoreboard pressure would take care of the rest.

Shakib Al-Hasan was man-of-the-match after strong contributions with bat and ball, Mushfiqur Rahim was good with the bat and the man who executed that key run out while Mashrafe Mortaza captained the side well.

The signs are that they're not going to blow anyone away this tournament but more often than not they'll be extremely competitive.

If Bangladesh caused the biggest upset, New Zealand were the side who delivered the biggest hammering so far.

They restricted Sri Lanka to just 136 thanks to some fast, hostile bowling with Matt Henry taking the first three wickets, Lockie Ferguson taking another three, while Trent Boult and the all-rounders did the rest.

Henry was only playing in the first place because Tim Southee was ruled out with an injury so it will be interesting to see what happens if the latter returns. A nice problem to have.

Of great importance was also the half-century scored by Colin Munro. Some may feel he's the weak link in the side so to get 58 first up will have done his and the team's confidence a load of good.

Bangladesh will be delighted this game is staged at The Oval again as they will have learnt plenty about the type of wicket that they'll be playing on here. WATCH OUT FOR - Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan will be looking to follow on from his first up performance

In his 200th ODI, Shakib Al Hasan is poised for another big match as he becomes the first player to be featured twice as our player to watch in this edition of the World Cup. Shakib produced a man of the match performance against South Africa, and Bangladesh will need him to do it again against New Zealand for the Bangladeshi's to go two from two. Noting it's his milestone match, we think there is another big game in Shakib. PREDICTION Bangladesh continued their recent good form on Sunday by beating South Africa and they will face another test against New Zealand but one they will not fear. The Blackcaps were outstanding against Sri Lanka and they will know that points on the board early in this tournament is key to them. Bangladesh will not be phased by the pace attack of New Zealand but their batsmen will have to be in top form yet again. This will be a sterner test that South Africa offered and the Blackcaps may just have enough all round to edge what should be a very close game and notch their 50th World Cup win. New Zealand to win by 20-40 runs or 4-6 wickets STATISTICS HEAD TO HEAD ODI HEAD TO HEAD IN WORLD CUPS Matches: 34 Matches: 4 New Zealand: 24 New Zealand: 4