New Zealand will face Bangladesh in a two-match Test series beginning on January 1, 2022. New Zealand is always a difficult opponent when they play at home. Kane Williamson will not join the team in this series; thus, Tom Latham will take over as captain. Ajaz Patel, who claimed all ten wickets in the first innings of the second Test against India, has been shockingly left out. Another reason for the significance of this series is that it will be veteran hitter Ross Taylor’s final Test series.
On the other hand, Bangladesh hasn’t been up to par When it comes to Test cricket. They suffered a 0-2 defeat in the Test series against Pakistan. Mominul Haque bears a great deal of responsibility and has a lot to prove. New Zealand will have the advantage and begin as favourites in terms of team balance.
Weather
Clear skies will greet both sides during the match. Temperatures will likely range from 17~23°C.
Pitch
The Bay Oval pitch is a well-balanced surface, and the hitters must be patient as they begin their strokes. Seam movement will be available to the bowlers throughout the match, and seamer is expected to play a significant role.
Probable Playing XIs
New Zealand
Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Will Young, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Henry Nicholls, Trent Boult, Daryl Mitchell/Rachin Ravindra
Bangladesh
Mominul Haque (c), Liton Das (wk), Ebadot Hossain, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shadman Islam, Mushfiqur Rahim, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Abu Jayed
New Zealand vs Bangladesh – 1st Test, Dream 11:
Devon Conway (c), Tom Latham (wk), Liton Das (wk), Mushfiqur Rahim, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Henry Nicholls, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson
Prediction
Match winner
- New Zealand
Winning the toss
- New Zealand
Top Batsman
- New Zealand – Tom Latham
- Bangladesh – Mushfiqur Rahim
Top Bowler
- New Zealand – Kyle Jamieson
- Bangladesh – Taijul Islam
Most Sixes
- New Zealand – Ross Taylor
- Bangladesh – Liton Das
Player of the Match
- New Zealand – Tom Latham
Team Scores Batting First
- New Zealand – 350+
- Bangladesh – 150+
It’s a simple decision to pick New Zealand as the winner. Bangladesh has never beaten New Zealand in test cricket, and the team’s talent isn’t good enough to challenge the hosts, who haven’t lost a Test at home in 17 games.