NZ vs Ban, 1st Test: Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates & Fantasy Cricket Tips - February 28th, 2019

New Zealand completely blew away Bangladesh in the three-match ODI series courtesy of Martin Guptill's extraordinary performances. A change of format is in order with both teams set to play in another three-match series, this time in the longer format.

New Zealand have been near impossible to break down at home with their potent trio of Trent Boult, Neil Wagner and Tim Southee. Adding insult to injury, Bangladesh have already lost the likes of Shakib Al Hasan and Mohammad Mithun to injury with premier batsmen Mushfiqur Rahim also nursing a niggle.

With the pace friendly Seddon Park set to play host to the first Test on Thursday, Bangladesh will be eager to showcase their talents against a formidable Kiwi side, who are expected to continue their dominance in the longer format.

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Squads to choose from

New Zealand:

Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Todd Astle, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult, Matt Henry and Will Young.

Bangladesh:

Mahmudullah Riyad(C), Tamim Iqbal, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mohammad Mithun, Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan, Nayeem Hasan, Abu Jayed, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadat Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Taijul Islam.

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Playing XI Updates

New Zealand:

New Zealand walk into this match as firm favourites with the presence of in-form batsmen Henry Nicholls and Tom Latham alongside Kane Williamson. Tim Southee is fresh off a five wicket haul in the third ODI and will surely be backed to provide an early breakthrough with his incisive swing bowling. Todd Astle should return to the Test side which also features Colin de Grandhomme as the fourth seaming option.

Possible XI: Latham, Raval, Williamson (C), Taylor, Nicholls, Watling(WK), Grandhomme, Southee, Astle, Boult and Wagner.

Bangladesh:

Bangladesh have already been burdened by a number of injury concerns, which could see Liton Das being promoted to the middle order. They should play three pacers in Mustafizur, Khaled and Abu Jayed while Mehidy Hasan is set to be the lone spinner in the side with the option of Mahmudullah also available. Shadman Islam had a great debut against West Indies where he scored a composed fifty and will be the one to look out for.

Possible XI: Tamim, Shadman, Mominul, Rahim, Liton(WK), Mahmudullah (C), Nayeem/Sarkar, Mehidy, Mustafizur, Abu Jayed and Khaled.

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Match Details

New Zealand vs Bangladesh, 1st Test

28 February - 4 March 2019, 3:30 AM IST

Seddon Park, Hamilton

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Fantasy Tips and Suggestions

Wicket-keeper: Liton Das is the preferred choice for wicket-keeper although BJ Watling isn't a bad option by any means. Mushfiqur Rahim's injury concerns make him an uncertainty, which directs towards the safer inclusion of Das.

Batsmen: The NZ trio of Kane Williamson, Tom Latham and Henry Bichils are great options to have in the fantasy team while one of Tamim Iqbal or Mominul Haque can also be backed to put in a good performance. Jeet Raval is due for a big one for the Kiwis in the longer format and could slot in for Nicholls or Latham.

All-rounders: Bangladeshi duo of Mahmudullah Riyad and Mehidy Hasan are the ideal options to have in the side with their all-round capabilities sure to have a say in the context of the match. Colin de Grandhomme is also a decent option with his medium pace likely to be called upon considering the pace friendly conditions in Hamilton

Bowlers: The trio of Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner are must haves in the fantasy side. They are bound to do the bulk of the damage in the first Test against a depleted Bangladesh side, while Mustafizur Rahman is the preferred bowling option from Bangladesh.

Captain: Kane Williamson is one the world's best batsman, no matter the format in question. He is the preferred option for captain while the in-form Tom Latham is also a great option. Tim Southee or Trent Boult could also be preferred as captain with both of them bound to do wreck havoc amongst the Bangladeshis.

Fantasy Suggestion #1: Liton Das(WK), Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Mominul Haque, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and Mustafizur Rahman. Captain: Kane Williamson.

Fantasy Suggestion #2: Liton Das(WK), Kane Williamson, Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Tamim Iqbal, Mehidy Hasan, Colin de Grandhomme, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and Mustafizur Rahman. Captain: Tim Southee.