New Zealand vs Bangladesh 1st ODI Prediction

Team News

Fast bowling sensation Mustafizur Rahman will be making a comeback after a prolonged shoulder injury and will be joining the other entrants Rubel Hossain, Mehedi Hasan, Tanveer Haider and Subashis Roy. Nasir Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Al-Amin Hossain and Taijul Islam have not been included for this ODI series.

Key Players

Tamim Iqbal is the highest run-getter in ODIs for Bangladesh while Mushfiqur Rahim has been their most successful batsman against the Kiwis. The two are vital cogs in their lineup and big contributions can be expected from them in this match. Shakib Al Hasan has caused the most problems for New Zealand with his spin bowling in the past and we predict him to pick up quite a few Kiwi scalps on Monday.

Recent Form

Bangladesh have only played home games so far this year. Out of the six ODIs they have played, they have won three and lost as many. They faced a four-wicket defeat by England in their most recently played match at Chittagong.

NZ vs Ban Head-to-Head in ODIs

New Zealand and Bangladesh have a fair amount of ODI history between them. They have met 25 times in the past with the former leading the scoreline 17-8 which makes up a success rate of 68%. Bangladesh however have beaten New Zealand in seven out of their previous eight completed fixtures which is quite a staggering stat.

NZ vs Ban 1st ODI Betting Odds

New Zealand are ranked fourth in the ICC ODI rankings. They will enjoy playing at home - in conditions favorable to them - and they also have an immaculate ODI record at the Hagley Oval with four wins from four games. So seeing them start as hot favorites to win this first ODI at best odds of 1.25 with bet365 doesn't come as much of a surprise. Bangladesh on the other hand are seventh in the ODI rankings and bet365 has them up at 4.00.

NZ vs Ban 1st ODI Prediction

Bangladesh have certainly strengthened their reputation as an ODI side in international cricket over the past 2-3 years and they have developed a habit of causing upsets across all formats of the game. Plus, the return of Mustafizur Rahman is expected to bring back some of the lost fizz in their bowling attack. But the question is can they carry their home success abroad?

Conditions in New Zealand will suit their seamers and while they might find success with the ball, it remains to be seen how much of a fight can they put up with the bat. New Zealand, at the moment, are a very strong team in their own den and it is very likely that the pace duo of Southee and Boult will be making life miserable for the tourists.

Final Verdict: We recommend betting on New Zealand to win this match.