New Zealand and Bangladesh gear up for their clash on October 13, 2023, in the 11th match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. The battleground for this NZ vs BAN clash is the iconic M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
New Zealand, the current table topper, has showcased exceptional cricketing prowess in recent matches. Under the leadership of the seasoned Kane Williamson, the Kiwis have displayed remarkable form, setting the stage for an exciting showdown against Bangladesh.
On the other hand, Bangladesh enters this encounter fresh from a disappointing loss to England, where they were outplayed by a significant margin of 137 runs.
Their batting lineup struggled against the English bowlers, with only Litton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim showing some resistance in the face of a formidable opposition.
New Zealand appears to be firing on all cylinders, displaying a level of coordination and consistency that is the envy of many teams.
Their performances against England and Netherlands were nothing short of dominant, and they now seek to extend their winning streak. What further bolsters their confidence is their recent 2-0 victory over Bangladesh in an ODI series on home turf.
A rising star in the Kiwi camp is Rachin Ravindra, who has been a revelation in the World Cup. The spin-bowling all-rounder has been promoted to the No.3 spot and delivered match-winning performances, including an unbeaten 123* against England and an important 51 against the Netherlands. His presence has significantly bolstered New Zealand’s batting unit.
Another standout player to watch is Devon Conway, known for his breathtaking unbeaten 152 against England, proving his mettle against formidable opposition. His prowess against Bangladesh’s spinners will be pivotal in this match.
Turning to the bowling department, Mitchell Santner, a left-arm spinner with vast experience, is poised to make an impact on the Chennai pitch. His familiarity with the IPL conditions in Chennai adds to his advantage, making him a formidable threat, along with Rachin Ravindra, to the opposition batters.
On the other side of the contest, Bangladesh enters this match with a point to prove after their heavy defeat against England, which has dropped them to the sixth position in the table.
However, they can draw confidence from the pitch conditions in Chennai, which typically favor spin bowling. Shakib Al Hasan, a seasoned all-rounder, is expected to play a crucial role in both the bowling and batting departments.
Mahedi Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz are likely to exploit these favorable conditions, offering Bangladesh a potent spin attack. Their accuracy and consistency could pose significant challenges for the Kiwi batsmen.
Shoriful Islam, the left-arm pacer, has been in fine form, and his variations, especially in the death overs, could be a game-changer.
Bangladesh’s batting will rely heavily on Najmul Hossain Shanto, who has been consistent with 328 runs in his last five matches. Litton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim, who have shown flashes of brilliance, will be key contributors to Bangladesh’s quest for victory.
As the stage is set, cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await this high-stakes encounter, which promises to be a thrilling battle between New Zealand’s class and Bangladesh’s resilience.
NZ vs BAN Probable XI
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c & wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Towhid Hridoy, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman
Also Read: ODI World Cup 2023: Top 3 Captain Picks For NZ vs BAN Fantasy Team
