Bangladesh's Najmul Hossain Shanto chats with head coach Phil Simmons during a training session at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the city on Sunday, ahead of their second ODI match, which begins today (Monday). — BCB Bangladesh are aiming for a swift comeback as Bangladesh national cricket team take on New Zealand national cricket team in a must-win second ODI of the three-match series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the city today (Monday). The match is scheduled to begin at 11:00 am, reports BSS.
The hosts trail 0-1 after suffering a 26-run defeat in the opening game, turning the second encounter into a virtual 'do-or-die' clash.
Despite being favourites and chasing a modest 248 on a familiar surface, Bangladesh faltered due to a poor batting display and a lack of intent in key moments.
Pacer Shoriful Islam, however, remains optimistic, backing the batting unit to bounce back strongly.
"I hope the batters will come back strongly in the next match, and we'll support each other. That's how cricket works," he said.
Shoriful also stressed the importance of improving with the ball to ease pressure on the batters.
"If we had bowled a bit better in the first game, things might have been easier for the batters. Hopefully, as a bowling unit, we will perform better to make things easier," he added.
Drafted into the XI at the last moment due to a knee discomfort to Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful made an impressive return to ODI cricket-his first appearance since December 2024-claiming 2-27 in 10 overs.
His performance now presents a selection dilemma, with Mustafizur reportedly fit again.
If Mustafizur makes a comeback in the second ODI, Bangladesh would have to make a change to the squad.
New Zealand, meanwhile, are eyeing a series-clinching victory and are unlikely to make major changes. Pacer Nathan Smith emphasized the importance of adapting to conditions and managing workload.
New Zealand's recent record in Bangladesh adds to their confidence. They secured a 2-1 series win in 2023-their first in the country since 2013-demonstrating their ability to challenge the hosts even in spin-friendly conditions.
Historically, the visitors have dominated the ODI rivalry, winning 35 of the 47 matches played between the two sides, while Bangladesh have won 11, with one match ending in no result.
Squads: Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Liton Kumer Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam,Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana
New Zealand: Tom Latham(Captain), Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver, Dean Foxcroft, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Henry Nicholls, Will O'Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner
and WillYoung.
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