No longer the whipping boys of world cricket, these tricky Tigers arrive on our shores as a team on the rise with plenty of stars.
A drawn Test series and a narrow ODI series loss to England recently has many fans excited about what Bangladesh could throw at our BLACKCAPS in all three formats this summer …. so here’s who and what to watch out for over the coming month.
Mehedi Hasan
Possibly the hottest prospect in world cricket right now. The 19-year-old announced himself to the world in his debut Test series against England at home where his off breaks claimed 19 wickets across the two games. He was named man of the series and so arrives to New Zealand with plenty of anticipation over what he can bring to the other two formats when he gets his chance.
Mustafizur Rahman
The 25-year-old left arm pace bowler burst onto the international scene at the World T20 and backed that up by helping bowl the Hyderabad Sun Risers to the 2016 IPL title. Kept Trent Boult off the field for much of that tournament and for good reason as he was considered the bowler of the tournament, finishing as the fifth highest wicket taker and with the best economy rate of the top contenders. Has some wicked variations in his repertoire and is sure to pose plenty questions of the BLACKCAPS batsmen this summer.
Mominul Haque
The numbers speak for themselves … a Test batting average of 51.66 and four centuries to his name already - including two against New Zealand on the tourists last trip down under in 2013. The kid can play and will be a key cog in the Bangladesh batting line-up coming in at first drop.
Shakib al Hasan
The greatest Bangladesh cricketer to date. The experienced all rounder has been consistently ranked as a top all rounder in world cricket over the three formats and is the class in the visitors line up. Loves a big occasion and will be at the forefront of Bangladesh’s fight for a first victory on New Zealand soil.
Fixtures
Dec 26: First ODI, Christchurch
Dec 29: Second ODI, Nelson
Dec 31: Third ODI, Nelson
Jan 3: First T20, Napier
Jan 6: Second T20, Mt Maunganui
Jan 8: Third T20, Mt Maunganui
Jan 12-16: First test, Wellington
Jan 20-24: Second test, Christchurch
