New Zealand and Bangladesh conclude their ODI series when they meet for the third time as the head to Dunedin on Wednesday, or Tuesday evening for those of us who are in the UK. New Zealand already have the series wrapped up and will go in search of a whitewash here.
Bangladesh have three Tests to come while they are in New Zealand and the World Cup to prepare for so even though the series has gone, they have plenty to play for and therefore should not be treating this as a dead rubber.
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New Zealand
It has been pretty easy fayre for New Zealand so far in the series. In both matches the damage has been done by their new ball bowlers and while Bangladesh have stuttered towards a mid-range total there has never been any issue with New Zealand chasing them down. On both occasions they have chased down the targets for the loss of only two wickets which highlights just how dominant they are at present.
If there is a worry in terms of moving forward for New Zealand then it might be the lack of action that their middle and lower order have seen in the business end of matches with the bat. They can address that between now and the World Cup but it will be interesting to see if they switch their order around to get them facing some deliveries here.
Bangladesh
I don’t think Bangladesh will need to do much searching as to where they have gone wrong in the series so far. Their top order just haven’t been able to get on top and away from New Zealand. They have tried the have a go approach and tried to be safety first and neither has worked so it will be interesting to see what tactic they adopt in this final game with little pressure on them.
The other issue Bangladesh have, which they were always going to have in fairness, is their bowling attack is nowhere near effective enough in these conditions without Shakib to contain batsmen in the middle overs. They have given as good as they can with the ball in hand but a combination of a lack of pace and low totals to defend has left them found wanting.
Team News
New Zealand have rested Kane Williamson for this final match of the series. Tom Latham has been given the armband and Colin Munro will come into the side to replace him. Tim Southee could get a hit out with the ball.
Bangladesh will be without their leading batsman in the series so far in Mohammad Mithun. He is out with the injury he sustained in the previous game. Mominul Haque comes into the side for him. Mushfiqur Rahim is a doubt.
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Betting
New Zealand have won both the matches in this series with plenty to spare so far and given the injury to Mithun for Bangladesh and the potential absence of Rahim as well I have to believe the home side will ease to victory here too. The handicap for this match is only 6.5 wickets or 46.5 runs. The Kiwis have covered that in both matches so far and with plenty still in hand for them I think they can complete the clean sweep of that.
I’ll have a little punt on Mehidy Hasan to be the leading Bangladesh batsman as well. With Mithun definitely out and Rahim surely unlikely to feature with his injury issue the top scoring honours could be completely up for grabs. Hasan looked decent in scoring his 26 in Napier and has three international 50s to his name. It wouldn’t be the biggest surprise in the world if the Bangladesh top order got shot out again so I’ll pay to see how Mehidy goes at 50s.
Tips
WON – Back New Zealand (-6.5wickets/46.5runs) to beat Bangladesh for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Bet365
Back M.Hasan Top Bangladesh Batsman for a 1/10 stake at 51.00 with Betfred
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