On 26th March in 2021, Bangladesh celebrates golden jubilee of the glorious Liberation war. Bangladesh was forced to engage into 9-month long liberation struggle at past midnight of the 25th March, when the occupation Pakistan Army unleashed henious genocide upon the innocent unarmed Bangladeshis in the name of 'Operation Search Light'. Bangabandhu message for waging the war of life and death was announced past midnight on EPR wireless. Tomorrow at 4:00 am Bangladesh time, 11 Bengal tigers will lock horns with 11 black caps in the land of the kiwis at the picturesque Basin Reserve, Wellington. What a wonderful opportunity for Tamim Sqaud for dedicating a win to 3 million martyred liberation war heroes!

Bangladesh has already lost the 3 matches ODI series having lost the first two matches at Dunedin and Christchurch. Does not matter Bangladesh lost all 15 matches in bilateral contest in all formats in New Zealand. But Bangladesh has past proven records of Bangla washing kiwis twice in ODI series. Even in the tri nation tournament in Ireland preceding ICC world cup 2019 Bangladesh beat New Zealand. Tigers almost beat New Zealand in New Zealand during 2015 world cup. A little bit of luck and a smarter fielding catching could bring win for Bangladesh even on Tuesday 23 March 2021 at Hagley Oval.  Even without Mashrafe and Shakib the two rock roll superstars Bangladesh can win against high flying Black Caps at Basin Reserve if only they can execute the plans clinically.

Basin Reserve is a historic cricket venue 2KM south of Wellington Central Business District. We are aware that New Zealand is a country adjacent to South Pole. It has several islands. This mountainous country also have some active volcanoes and is very prone to earthquakes. Basin Reserve is the outcrop of one such earthquake flattening few mountains and fillings some marshlands in the early part of last millennium. This picturesque ground is New Zealand heritage. A Cricket museum and a sports library is close to it . The national museum is also not very far. Many schools and colleges are also in the vicinity. In Early days other sports were also played at Basin Reserve. The ground used to be used for concerts as well. But now it is mostly used for test cricket.  

The ground is larger than University Oval but a bit smaller than Hagley oval. Like most wickets it also favour seam movement and offer steep bounce. When wind blows and weather is heavy ball also swing. At time it also offers turn. But it also provides assistance to quality batsmen. 

For the benefit of young Bangladeshis let me flash back on records. 

The first ever test on the ground was played way back January 24-27, 1930 between England and New Zealand. The keenly Contested match ended as draw.

Brief Score Card: New Zealand 440 (Stewi Demster 136, Jackie Mills 117, Curly Page 67, Roger Blunt 36, Frank Wooley 7/76) and 164/4 Declared (Stewi Demster 80*, Curley Page 32, Frank Woller 2/42)
England: 320 (Stan Nichols 78*, Eddie Dowson 44, Duleep 40, Geofree Leggie 39, Ted Bedcock 4/80, George Dekinson 3/ 66) and 107/4 ( Duleep 56* , )
Match Drawn: 
Please note that great Indian Cricketer Kumar Shri Duleep Singji Played and scored heavily in both Innings. 

The last Test has been played between New Zealand and West Indies 11-14 December in 2020. New Zealand crushed the Caribbean by an innings and 12 runs

Brief Score Card: New Zealand 460 (Martin Henry Nicholls 174, Neil Wagnar 66*, Will Young 43, Daryl Mitchell 42, Shannon Gabriel 3/93, Aljari Joseff 3/109, Roston Chase 2/54, Chemar Holder 2/110) 
West Indies 131 (Jermaine Blackwood 69, Tim Southee 5/32 and Kayle Jamieson 5/34) and 317 (John Campbell 68, Jason Holder 61, Jashua de Silva 57, Neil Wagner 3/54, Trent Boult 3/96, Kayle Jamieson 2/43 Tim Southee 2/ 96). 

The above evidence that New Zealand bowling attack has horses for the courses. Boult, Southee and Jamieson would take examination of Bangladesh batting. The key to Bangladesh success would be seeing off the new ball. Great sign that Tamim played an excellent innings of 78 at Hagley Oval.  Unfortunately, Liton and Soumya looked pretty ordinary in both matches though Soumya scored some runs at Hagle oval. Would suggest playing Nazmul Shanto in place of Liton or Soumya. Bangladesh must execute a plan B. In case of early loss of wicket Mahmudullah may be promoted to bat at three. He is much more technically accomplished for negating pace attack of New Zealand. In 2015 world cup he batted brilliantly in New Zealand batting at four. Bangladesh top order must rotate strikes in the first 10 overs instead of striking balls hand. Playing with soft hands in the gap Bangladesh can target scoring 40-45 runs in the first 10 overs not losing more than 1 wicket. Batting must rotate around Mushfique. If Tamim at one and Mahmudullah at three can set root Bangladesh should score 270-280 batting first. A little pressing the paddle can even take the score beyond 300. We have seen New Zealand used to playing pace bowling mostly struggles against tight spin attack. Even two Mahedis also strangled them. Bangladesh may opt playing left arm spinner Nasum as well. But otherwise Rubel, Shoriful and Taskin may be the pace bowling combination at Wellington. 

Weather prediction is bright sunny day with temperature ranging between 21-15 degrees. There is a possibility of surprise strong wind blowing. With nothing to loose Bangladesh must commit and whatever the batsmen presents must defend like hungry tigers going sharp for prey. A win on March 26, 2021 will glorify tigers. That will be precious gifts to liberation war heroes. 

My Team 
Tamim, Liton, Nazmul Shanto, Mushfique, Mithun, Mahmudullah, Mehedy Miraj, Sheikh Mahedy Hasan, Rubel, Taskin and Shoriful.

BDST: 1120 HRS, MAR 25, 2021
SMS