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The forthcoming three-match T20I series between New Zealand and Bangladesh is set to kick off on Wednesday, December 27. The clash will take place at McLean Park in Napier.
Najmul Hossain Shanto to lead Bangladesh
New Zealand will head into the series with confidence, having secured a 2-1 victory in the ODI series against the visitors. New Zealand claimed victory in the first two matches while Bangladesh won the last one. Najmul Hossain Shanto will take on the captaincy role for the Bangladesh’s T20I squad, with vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz providing support. On the other hand, in the absence of Kane Williamson, the Blackcaps will be led by the accomplished all-rounder Mitchell Santner.
T20I Stats and Records at McLean Park:
- Total matches: 6
- Matches won batting first: 2
- Matches won bowling first: 3
- Average first Innings scores: 169
- Average second Innings scores: 138
- Highest total recorded: 241/3 (20 Overs) by England vs New Zealand
- Lowest total recorded: 160/10 (19.4 Overs) by New Zealand vs India
- Highest score chased: 177/6 (19.4 Overs) by Pakistan vs New Zealand
- Lowest score defended: 173/5 (17.5 Overs) by New Zealand vs Bangladesh
Also READ: NZ vs BAN 2023: New Zealand’s best playing XI for T20I series against Bangladesh
McLean Park Pitch Report:
Recognized as a high-scoring venue, McLean Park offers batters the chance to make substantial scores, thanks to its shorter boundaries. Despite the pitch slowing down as the fixtures progresses, bowlers will need to leverage their variations to hinder scoring. The captain, upon winning the toss, might consider opting to bat first.
Napier Weather Forecast:
The weather outlook for the Napier encounter between New Zealand and Bangladesh doesn’t look promising, with a 35% chance of rainfall. Fans can expect higher humidity levels at 76%, along with a 23 kmph breeze. The temperature, anticipated to be around 21 degrees, is likely to have a subtle impact on bowling conditions.
New Zealand vs Bangladesh, 1st T20I, Probable Playing XI:
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Ben Sears
Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, Rony Talukdar, Tawhid Hridoy, Soumya Sarkar, Shamim Hossain, Shakib Al Hasan, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam
