World T20 Match Preview: Kiwis take on a formidable Bangladesh side

A sub-continent team that plays spin well is against a top side who have always struggled to cope up with the demons of the sub continent wickets. The first of the real crackers is here. Bangladesh kick off their T20 World cup campaign against a formidable Kiwi side. What do we all love about the T20 format? People from the business world would argue that it takes less than 4 hours to finish. However, the real cricketing fanatics would feast on the fact that T20′s produce the closest finishes. The shorter format provides a better chance for the so-called minnows to upset the big and the well established sides. Bangladesh are still a minnow with respect to T20′s, as they are yet to prove their mettle against the top sides.

New Zealand and Bangladesh both have had mixed results coming into the World T20. New Zealand won the T20 series against India. The first match was washed out without even a ball being bowled. In the second match New Zealand snatched a victory from the jaws of defeat. Inspired by the efforts of McCullum(91 of 51) and Franklin(2 for 26 in 4 overs), New Zealand managed to sneak through the back door, beating India by 1 run.

The build up to the tournament was hampered by a dismal performance with the bat against the Aussies in the first warm up game. Chasing a modest target of 136, the Kiwis managed to score just 83. The second warm up game against the South Africans went right down to the wire. Chasing a stiff target of 187, New Zealand scored 177 thanks to a breathtaking knock of 75(of 42 balls) by Ross Taylor. New Zealand would be hoping that Taylor, McCullum and Franklin continue to deliver the goods during the World cup. However, stomach problems to Nicol and Southee could see them missing out the opening match against Bangladesh.

The Bangladeshi’s on the other hand enjoy the luxury of playing the World cup in familiar sub-continental conditions. They have had a mixed bag lead up to the tournament as well. They registered an easy victory against Zimbabwe in their first warm up game, chasing down a target of 135 with ease(won by 5 wickets). However, they ended up losing a close match to Ireland in the 2nd warm up game, coming short by 5 runs. Shakib impressed with both bat and bowl(52 runs and 2 for 21).

Both these sides have some potential match winners who can single-handedly turn the match on its head.

Players to watch out for

New Zealand

Brendon McCullum- The in-form wicketkeeper who on his day could tear apart bowling attacks would have been fiercely discussed in the Bangladesh team meetings. His 91 against India in a recently played T20 game was full of power packed sixes and fours. His sharp keeping skills and experience would also prove to be a huge plus for the Kiwis

Ross Taylor- The King of the leg side, if it were. Few people could tonk the ball as hard as this man. His signature mid wicket slogs travel many a mile, bamboozling even the best of the bowlers. He has been susceptible to spin in the early stages of his innings but once he gets his eye in, the crowd would surely be in for a treat.

James Franklin- Hasn’t been in the best of forms with the bat, but the ball has done the trick for him. Bowls those tidy little overs in crunch situations and has a knack of picking up important wickets too. Brilliant bowling against the Indians in the recently played T20 game should do his confidence a world of good. His subtle changes of paces should prove to be lethal on the slow sub continent wickets.

Bangladesh

Tamim Iqbal- The swashbuckling opener has been providing brilliant starts for Bangladesh, no wonder he is one of the best T20 openers of the present day. His ability to clear grounds with uttermost ease gives his team an impetus while chasing big scores. He certainly has matured as a player and no longer believes in just belting the ball to different parts of the field, rotating the strike when possible is an asset that he has added to his game. If he fires, Bangladesh have a serious chance of upsetting the Kiwis

Shakib Al Hasan- Arguably the best all rounder in the world at the moment. He has given captaincy, bowling and batting a new definition. Off late he has redefined himself as a no.3 batsman for Bangladesh in T20′s so that he can face more number of deliveries in order to get his eye in. One of the best finishers of the game, he can both claw you out of defeat as well as race you to victory. His slow left-armers are hard to pick and even harder to score off. The Kiwis who are already susceptible to spin will have a tough time coping with Shakib.

Mashrafe Mortaza- One of Bangladesh’s most experienced cricketers could prove to be a match winner on his day. He is the spearhead of the attack and is capable of running through the top order. His pace and length variations could cause a lot of trouble to the Kiwi openers. With the experience that he has, he can contain the likes of Taylor, Oram in the death overs.

Head to Head

Both teams have met just once in this format. New Zealand came out victorious in their only meeting at Hamilton in 2010.

Venue- Pallekele Cricket Stadium, Kandy

Date-21st September

Time- 15:30(IST)

Prediction

Tough to call this one! The conditions suit the Bangladeshi’s but the Kiwis have the required resources and firepower to undermine Bangladesh. A close match, but New Zealand should eventually clinch it.