Tigers eye series win against New Zealand in decider today

Bangladesh will aim to clinch the three-match ODI series when they take on New Zealand in the third and final game in Chattogram today (Thursday), reports BSS.

The match is scheduled to begin at 11:00 am at Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium and will be broadcast live on T Sports.

After losing the opening match by 26 runs, Bangladesh bounced back in style with a six-wicket victory in the second ODI, setting up a series decider.

A win today (Thursday) day would secure Bangladesh's third consecutive ODI series triumph at home, following victories over the West Indies and Pakistan.

Bangladesh appeared out of sorts in the first match, struggling in familiar conditions. However, the scenario changed dramatically in the second game, largely due to a fiery spell from young pacer Nahid Rana.

Rana claimed 5 for 32-his second five-wicket haul in just 10 ODIs-playing a pivotal role in Bangladesh's win. His pace and intensity troubled the New Zealand batters, who struggled to cope with his relentless attack in the scorching heat.

Bangladesh pace bowling coach Shaun Tait praised Rana's fitness and work ethic, dismissing any concerns.

"What I do know about Nahid Rana is he's a fit man. He's very fit, and the way he's bowling at the moment, opposition teams are not going to want to face him," Tait said.

However, Tanzim Hasan Sakib's inclusion for the third ODI has given the impression that he might replace Nahid, as the team management is keen to manage the young pacer's workload.

The Chattogram pitch has traditionally favored batters, often producing high-scoring matches, unlike the slower surface in Mirpur.

"It looks like a good wicket, but it's difficult to say exactly how it will play. Traditionally, Chattogram offers a good batting surface, though sometimes it can keep a little low," Tait added.

New Zealand pacer Will O'Rourke said his team will approach the match with the goal of sealing the series after missing out in the second ODI.

"The outfield does look dry and probably quite quick. Once the ball beats the infield, it's likely to run away," O'Rourke said.

"There seems to be a bit of grass on the wicket, so hopefully there's some pace and bounce. We'll find out soon enough, but we pride ourselves on our fielding and will look to put our best foot forward."

New Zealand will also draw confidence from their recent record in Bangladesh. They secured a 2-1 series win in 2023-their first in the country since 2013-showing they can compete strongly in subcontinental conditions.

Historically, New Zealand have dominated the ODI rivalry, winning 35 of the 48 matches between the two sides. Bangladesh have won 12, 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, Nahid Rana, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

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, Will Young.