Big picture: Can Bangladesh bounce back?

The New Zealand juggernaut rolled into Chennai but in typical Kiwi fashion, it was a quiet entrance. New Zealand comfortably rolled over England and Netherlands, and will now take on a Bangladesh side smarting from a big loss against England. The only saving grace for Bangladesh is the Chennai pitch that is likely to help the spinners, but many of the New Zealand players have IPL experience to count on, so they will know what to expect in this venue.

They have other aces up their sleeves against Bangladesh. Ish Sodhi could enter the playing XI on the back of his six-wicket haul against Bangladesh a couple of weeks back in Dhaka. In any case, both sides will be looking at their spin stocks.

Bangladesh’s big defeat against England undid a lot of their good work against Afghanistan in the first match. The pitch certainly differed between the two teams in Dharamshala, but Bangladesh didn’t really adapt to the conditions. Their insistence on bowling an outside off-stump line hurt them as they went wicketless going for that bowling line. Taskin Ahmed bowling just six overs, Shakib Al Hasan finishing his ten early and the overuse of offspin against left-handers were the sort of rigid tactics that Bangladesh will not want to repeat.

They also have to sort out their batting line-up, and specifically answer questions about the opening pair and the lower middle order. Tanzid Hasan hasn’t made runs in the two innings so far, but it is still a small sample size to judge a new opener. Still, a World Cup campaign has its own challenges for Bangladesh so it won’t be a huge surprise if they send Mehidy Hasan Miraz to open with Litton Das. In that case, Mahmudullah and Nasum Ahmed are candidates to return in the lower middle-order. Left-arm spinner Nasum will ensure more depth in the spin department while Mahmudullah will add batting experience on a tricky Chepauk pitch.

Bangladesh have great memories against New Zealand in sub-continent conditions, having beaten them 4-0 and 3-0 at home in the last 13 years. But on current form and especially in the World Cup, New Zealand are favourites.

Form guide

New Zealand WWWWL (last five ODIs, most recent first)

Bangladesh LWLLW

In the spotlight

What would Williamson’s return mean for Rachin Ravindra? Not much, it is hoped. Ravindra’s great form with bat and usefulness with the ball makes him an automatic pick against Bangladesh. Ravindra made the monumental century in the World Cup opener against England, before following it up with a fifty against Netherlands. His intent suited New Zealand’s plans, as he played a variety of shots while keeping shape. Williamson confirmed in the pre-match press conference that Ravindra is part of their plans but it is unlikely that he will bat at No 3.

Litton Das’ sparkling 76 was the only positive for Bangladesh in their big defeat to England in Dharamshala. It included the usual Litton fare of beautifully timed shots and angled-bat shots that many batters dream to do. But frustratingly it is this free-flowing shot-making that also ended his innings prematurely. Litton’s ODI form this year pales in comparison to last year’s 52.45 average in 13 innings. Bangladesh will gain greatly from his form if Litton kicks on from his half-century against England

Team news: Who will make way for Williamson?

The toss-up could be between Glenn Philips and Mark Chapman now that Williamson is back in the New Zealand line-up after nine months. Sodhi comes into the picture too on a Chepauk pitch helpful for spinners.

New Zealand (probable): 1 Devon Conway, 2 Will Young, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Rachin Ravindra, 5 Tom Latham (wk), 6 Daryl Mitchell, 7 Glenn Phillips, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Mark Henry, 10 Lockie Ferguson/Ish Sodhi, 11 Trent Boult

A brave team management will pick Tanzid despite his low scores. Otherwise, Mehidy is queued as the opener. New Zealand’s left-handers could keep Mahedi Hasan in the line-up too.

Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Litton Das, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto, 4 Shakib Al Hasan (capt), 5 Towhid Hridoy, 6 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 7 Mehidy Hasan, 8 Mahedi Hasan, 9 Taskin Ahmed, 10 Shoriful Islam, 11 Mustafizur Rahman/Nasum Ahmed

Pitch and conditions: Spin to win in Chepauk

India’s spin trio took 6 for 104 against Australia in the previous match at Chepauk. Both sides will look to mount a spin attack regardless of when they bat in this game. India showed the ease of chase against Australia but teams have to be careful of bowlers who can move the ball. The weather is likely to be mostly dry, with a low chance of rain.

Stats and trivia: NZ hold World Cup edge over Bangladesh

Quotes

“I think certainly in the subcontinent, they (Bangladesh) are very, very familiar with these conditions and they have a number of match winners throughout their side.”

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson on the Bangladesh challenge ahead for his side.

“It is always challenging to tackle the new ball. If we start well, it certainly helps the team. I think it is also important to come back from losing two or three early wickets. We have to focus on getting to a big score from a tough situation.”

Bangladesh vice-captain Najmul Hossain Shanto on his side not starting well with bat or ball.