ICC World Cup 2019: Determined Kiwis Face Upbeat Bangladesh

New Zealand will have their task cut out against Bangladesh as they will face a far sterner test than Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh defeated South Africa in their World Cup campaign opener.

(Photo: AP)

After pulling off a memorable win over more fancied South Africa, a confident Bangladesh will take on a disciplined New Zealand side knowing they can upset their applecart in a World Cup fixture at the Kennington Oval on Wednesday, 5 June.

Fast-improving side Bangladesh underlined their potential with a fine 21-run victory at The Oval over the Proteas, who came into this World Cup as a low-key side always failing to match hype.

Bangladesh made 330-6 – their highest one-day total – with Mushfiqur Rahim scoring 78 and Shakib Al Hasan hitting 75 in front of a passionate crowd strongly in their favour.

Chasing the daunting total, South Africa never really looked like winning as Bangladesh spinners remained economical while pacers were disciplined.

Previously, Bangladesh had won a tri-series against West Indies and Ireland before the World Cup and have registered series wins over India and Pakistan since the last World Cup.

Therefore, New Zealand will have their task cut out and will know this will be a far sterner test than Sri Lanka, whom they beat easily.

New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka in their campaign opener.

The Kiwis' superb bowling display saw them dismantle the Lankans for just 136 all out in 29.2 overs, with Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson bagging three wickets each.

Chasing the paltry target, the Black Caps were never in any sort of trouble as Martin Guptill (73 not out) and Colin Munro (58 not out) went about their job with little fuss.

Squads:

Bangladesh: Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah Riyad, Shakib Al Hasan (vc), Mohammad Mithun (wk), Sabbir Rahman, Mosaddek Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mehidy Hasan, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Abu Jayed

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wk), Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee (vc), Ross Taylor