DHAKA, Feb 19, 2019 (BSS) – Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl first as they seek to prevent New Zealand claiming a series whitewash in the third one-day international in Dunedin today.
“I think this wicket is going to get better and better in the latter part (of the match),” Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza said.
He said batsman Mohammad Mithun was out with a hamstring strain, with paceman Rubel Hossain coming into the team as the tourists look for more penetration with the ball.
New Zealand lead the series 2-0 and rested captain Kane Williamson for the dead rubber, handing leadership duties to Tom Latham.
Colin Munro comes into the batting line-up as an opener, pushing Henry Nicholls down the order.
Munro has struggled at the top of the order and the match represents his final chance to impress before the World Cup later this year.
Spinner Mitchell Santner and fast bowler Tim Southee will also look to press their World Cup claims as they replace Todd Astle and Matt Henry respectively.
“Coming into the last one-dayer before the World Cup, it’s important we stick to our blueprint and try to play the perfect game of cricket,” Latham said.
New Zealand:
Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (capt), Jimmy Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
Bangladesh:
Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Sabbir Rahman, Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Mustafiqur Rahman, Rubel Hossain
Umpires: Wayne Knights (NZL), Sundaram Ravi (IND)
TV Umpire: Marais Erasmus (RSA)
Match referee: Steve Bernard (AUS)