New Zealand and Bangladesh are set for their last match in the group stages of Champions Trophy in Cardiff on Friday. Since both teams are still in the race for a spot in the semifinals, a cracker of a game is expected to take place.
New Zealand may seem to be a strong team on paper, with some world-class batsman and bowlers who can trouble any line-up in the world. However, Bangladesh can, on their day, beat any team. The Bangla Tigers will be keen to prove a point against the Black Caps.
The team that emerges victorious on Friday will stay alive in the competition, but it's still not guaranteed a semifinals berth. If Australia beat England on Saturday, it really does not matter what happens during the New Zealand vs Bangladesh match.
New Zealand have played some good cricket, though they are yet to win a single game in the competition. They were in a good position against Australia, but rain played spoilsport, making them share points. And they lost to England in their last match. The threat of rain looms large for Friday's encounter as well.
The Black Caps will need more than skipper Kane Williamson to fire. Guptill, who is yet to score big, will be keen to give his team a flying start. In the bowling department, Trent Boult, Adam Milne and Tim Southee will be the key players.
The New Zealand pacers will be going in full steam, and dismissing Tamim Iqbal, who is in terrific form, will be their priority. The opener has been one of the best players in the Champions Trophy, scoring 128 and 95 runs in his two matches so far. If he gets off to a good start, New Zealand could be in trouble.
But with the likes of Boult and Milne, Tamim will have to be on top of his game. The middle order of Bangladesh will have to come to the rescue if Tamim fails. They have the much-needed experience in the form of Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan, who will have to be at their best in the Champions Trophy encounter.
Consistency will play the main role in this massive encounter for both teams.
Where and when to watch live
New Zealand vs Bangladesh is scheduled for a 10.30am BST, 3pm IST start. TV and live streaming information is below.
India: TV: Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1HD (English, Hindi, Tamil). Live Streaming: Hotstar.
Bangladesh: TV: GTV.
New Zealand: TV: Sky Sport 1. Live Streaming: Sky Go NZ.
Australia: TV: Fox Sports. Live Streaming: Foxtel.
UK: TV: Sky Sports 2. Live Streaming: Sky Go and Watch Sky Sports.
USA: TV: Willow TV. Live Streaming: Willow TV Live Online.
South Africa: TV: SuperSport 2. Live Streaming: SuperSport Live Video.
Middle East: TV: OSN Sports Cricket. Live Streaming: OSN Play.
Singapore: TV: Star Cricket.
