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- Updated: December 25, 2016
Match facts
December 26, 2016 Start time 1100am (2200 GMT)
Big Picture
New Zealand have a chance to break their recent dip in ODI form when they take on Bangladesh in the first of three home matches, at the Hagley Park in Christchurch. They have obstacles in front of them, given their recent ODI record against the visitors. Bangladesh won both their previous bilateral meetings, by a 4-0 margin in 2010-11 and 3-0 in 2013-14. And, if he is declared fit, New Zealand will also have to deal with Mustafizur Rahman, who was recently named ICC’s Emerging Player of the Year.
On the only occasion he bowled against them, Mustafizur took a five-wicket haul, in March during the World T20. But if he is given the green signal by management, his fielding will be a worry, particularly throwing from the deep, given how long he has been away from the game.
New Zealand have their own share of problems. After losing 2-3 in India and being wiped out 3-0 in Australia, some heads had to roll. BJ Watling, Todd Astle and Henry Nicholls have been dropped, making way for Neil Broom and Luke Ronchi. Both are likely to play as New Zealand will look to attack Bangladesh with batting gusto. The onus will be on Martin Guptill and Tom Latham to put pressure up front before captain Kane Williamson, Broom and Ronchi take over.
Trent Boult and Tim Southee will lead the bowling attack, although both are going to be rested later in the tour. Lockie Ferguson and Colin de Grandhomme will serve as supporting seamers while Mitchell Santner is the lone spinner to tighten up one end.
Given their natural tendency to play spin well, a lot of Bangladesh’s focus will be on the home side’s four pacers. Tamim Iqbal would have to stretch his purple patch and ensure the New Zealand attack is …
