New Zealand will embark on the first of two chances to win the Test series against Bangladesh on Friday, or Thursday evening if you are reading this in the UK, when the two sides meet in the second game of three in Wellington.
The Kiwis completely dominated the opening match so there is plenty for Bangladesh to think about heading into this second encounter. They go into it knowing they have to avoid defeat if they are to keep the series alive heading into the final game.
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New Zealand
New Zealand were expected to win the first Test and many judges expected them to dominate it too so they will be pleased that they were able to live up to that sort of scrutiny and produce a very convincing display. They were fantastic with the bat and extremely patient with the ball and that is never a bad combination in this format of the game, regardless of who the opponent is.
There is no need for the Kiwis to change anything from their performance as it was so good. It would be hard for them to repeat it but probably 80% of it should be good enough for this match. It might be that their biggest danger is their own complacency and that is something they will have to guard against throughout this match.
Bangladesh
The fears that were there for Bangladesh ahead of that opening match rang true as they could not find any penetration with the ball and not enough of their batsmen had the technique to keep the New Zealand bowling at bay. Obviously they need a marked improvement in this match but the simple fact is they are not on New Zealand’s level at the present time.
There were positives for the tourists to take from that opening match. Tamim Iqbal showed them the way with the bat in both innings and there was a partnership in their second dig that was very encouraging, but unfortunately for them their solid periods of play were nowhere near lengthy enough to make a significant impact on proceedings.
Team News
New Zealand are toying with the idea of an all pace attack given the conditions in which case Matt Henry could well come in for Todd Astle in what is likely to be the only change to their side from the first game.
Mushfiqur Rahim is not expected to be fit for this second match of the series so Bangladesh are likely to be forced into keeping the same batting line up. They have to make changes with the ball though so Mustafizur Rahman can be expected to come in.
Basin Reserve
The Wellington venue has held 62 previous Test matches with New Zealand having featured in each of them. They don’t have the best of records though with 18 wins to 20 losses with 24 of those contests ending in a draw. Bangladesh have been here three times and they have been well beaten on every occasion.
Scores here can be very mixed depending on conditions. Generally it gets easier to bat in the second and third innings but if the weather in the lead up has been good it can start off as a good wicket to bat on. Rain has been around the scene recently though and is a threat throughout the match which has to be factored into the equation.
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Betting
I’m not going to go too mad in this match because the rain is expected to have a big say throughout the affair so while I wanted to line a few bets up having seen the opening game, we can’t really do it because it isn’t really clear just how much play we are going to see over the course of the piece. There is one bet which we should get enough time for however.
Tamim Iqbal had a white ball series to forget but since he has been up against the red ball he has found his form again. He has put together runs of 45 in the warm up match and 126 and 74 in the first Test. He looks to be hitting the ball very nicely indeed so I fancy he can clear 26.5 in the first innings.
Tips
WON – Back T.Iqbal – Over 26.5 First innings runs for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Betway
Back him here:
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