Millions Bangladesh Cricket admirers got shocked and awed for the abysmal performance of Bangladesh Cricket team in the first ODI match at University Oval Dunedin.  Bangladesh batting first on a seaming, swinging environment against top class Black Caps attack got crushed to 131 all out. Flamboyant Guptill then spearheaded Kiwis racing across the target with comfort and ease. New Zealand won easily by 8 wickets in only 21.2 over. No one even in wildest dream thought of Bangladesh turning the table on New Zealand now possibly enjoying their joy ride in a purple path. But with a good blend of master cricketers and talented youth many believed that Bangladesh would prove far more competitive. In a two-team derby one team would win and other would loose. But why Bangladesh died wondering. How can a professional unit play like raw amateurs?

As the first match got done and dusted, let us consider that as a bad dream. Let us now focus on the two remaining matches of the ODI series and 3 matches T20 series. Once again, I like to request all to keep hopes and dreams under control. Bangladesh has no chance of winning even a single match against this very skilled and talented New Zealand team. The write-ups I did earlier were to boost the morale only. But looking at the team in Dunedin it appeared that it is well beyond the capacity and capability to upset New Zealand. Keeping in mind how far Bangladesh can do, the mission should be extracting as much benefits as Bangladesh can achieve. 

The next match is at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. The wicket, condition and environment of Hagley Oval is not very different to University Oval Dunedin. 18-20 degree Celsius should not be too cold. But Bangladesh will find similar green top, bouncy pacey wicket. The ground is relatively bigger. 

Christchurch is now unknown to Bangladesh Cricket team. We all know last time in 2019 Bangladesh narrowly escaped the deadly terrorist avalanche at Noor Mosque just adjacent to Hagley Oval. Bangladesh team also spent two weeks this time after arriving in New Zealand.  First week was spent in intensive quarantine.

If we look back in retrospect the first ball of the match of Trent Boult was match defining. The prodigiously swinging fast delivery rocked the confidence of Bangladesh captain. It is a well-known strategy that key players of the opposition team is attacked in a planned manner. Boult did that and could set the cat in the mouse Bangladesh batted like a panicked unit and got rattled.

Then while chasing the target Guptill deliberately attacked debutant Hasan Mahmood. In form Guptill can smash even the best bowler of the world now on his day. Bangladesh must forget what happened at Dunedin.

Now the question needs asking, is Tamim match fit? If not Bangladesh must not risk playing him and further aggravate his injury. Tamim will be essential for the test series against Sri Lanka coming next. In that case Nazmul Shanto should replace Tamim and open Innings with Liton. Soumya played like a novice at Dunedin. Would suggest for Sheikh Naim replacing Soumya at number three. We are not sure whether talented all-rounder Saifuddin is match fit or not. There is no question about bringing him back if he is fit. He should come in the team in place of Mahedy Hasan. We have seen Mustafiz was not useful at Dunedin. On Green top wickets his cutters wont grip. It would be far better playing young Shoriful in his place. We hope team management has realized by now that keeping Rubel in the side bench was a mistake. Taskin is ok . But Rookie Mahmood Hasan can be rested and can be given another opportunity in the third match. We are not sure whether all-rounder Moassadeq has recovered from injury. A fit Mosaddeq should be in contention.

My Team for Hagley Oval 
Tamim / Nazmul, Liton, Naim, Mushfique , Mithun, Mahmudullah, Mehrdy Meraj, Mosaddeq / Saifuddin, Rubel, Taskin, Shoriful. 

If Tamim is not 100% match fit Mahmudullah should lead automatically. Bangladesh must rotate its pace bowling options and middle order batting keeping the nucleus intact.

Now let us review batting. Liton was doing OK till his brain freeze. Same can be said about Mushfique. Mithun was trifle unlucky.  World cricket knows New Zealand wickets possess bounce and environment is conducive to swing. It is not the first visit of Bangladesh. Hence conditions and wickets are no excuse. As winning even a single match is out of context let Bangladesh give exposure to all in the squad in a planned manner.

BDST: 1217 HRS, MAR 22, 2021
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