Napier: Bangladesh have had a forgettable 2010 so far, and their record in New Zealand is also dreadful. This is their chance to change that.
New Zealand go into the new season after a couple of months of rest and rejuvenation and would be looking to get into their groove straightaway. The team showed no signs of rustiness in the T20 match preceding the ODI series by bulldozing the hapless Bangladesh team by 10 wickets.
Bangladesh were routed by India in the Test series at home and thrashed in the one off T20 international at Hamilton, but their skipper Shakib is hopeful that the visitors can find a drastic change in fortunes if they are to gives the Kiwis a run for their money in the ODI series.
Team news
New Zealand haven't made any announcement yet on their XI, the left-arm quick Andy McKay is likely to be the one missing out in Napier.
Squad (from): Peter Ingram, Brendon McCullum(w), Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Neil Broom, Jacob Oram, Daniel Vettori(c), James Franklin, Daryl Tuffey, Tim Southee, Ian Butler, Andy McKay.
Bangladesh relied heavily on their spinners during the promising run in 2009, but the slow bowlers have had little impact in Napier over the years, meaning the visitors will have to bolster the pace attack.
Squad (from): Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mohammad Ashraful, Raqibul Hasan, Shakib Al Hasan(c), Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Mahmudullah, Naeem Islam, Abdur Razzak, Shafiul Islam, Nazmul Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Aftab Ahmed, Junaid Siddique, Shahadat Hossain, Mashrafe Mortaza.
Pitch and conditions
The McLean Park at Napier, which is the home of the Central Districts in the NZ domestic circle presents a picturesque setting and is one of the prettiest venues in the world. A good wicket with true bounce and carry coupled with short boundaries on either side should make it a high scoring encounter.
Stats & trivia
Match facts
Friday, February 5, 2010
Start time 14:00 local time (01:00 GMT)