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Bangladesh and New Zealand, two teams that have already qualified for the finals, face off in their last group match at Hamilton in New Zealand. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 12 midday (AEDT).
This game is less important now that Bangladesh has qualified with a stirring win against England, but they can still take third spot with a win here.
Finishing third would mean a likely match up with South Africa, whereas finishing fourth would see them meet India in the quarter finals.
Bangladesh have been criss-crossing the Tasman, having played at Nelson last week, and the New Zealanders will be well rested after staying home right through the group games.
All is not lost though, as Bangladesh in 2013 defeated New Zealand 3-0 in an ODI series in Bangladesh.
What attitude will both sides take into a game with no real consequence on the result? Will they muck around with the line-ups and rest players, or will it be business as usual?
It has been reported illness and injury has swept through the New Zealand camp, so it will be interesting to see their line-up. Bangladesh also has a lot of sore players – none more so than captain Mashrafe Mortaza, who has bowled incredibly well with leg injuries.
Of course New Zealand is led by Brendon McCullum with the bat, but Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill have been contributing as well. With the ball Daniel Vettori is showing all his experience, Trent Boult is proving to be a world-class opening bowler, and Adam Milne gives their attack great depth. However, Milne may be subject to a fitness test for this game.
Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad were superb against England for Bangladesh. Mushfiqur has impressed in every game. His glovework is clean and he has proven to be a real pocket dynamo down the order – could well be the keeper-batsman of the tournament.
New Zealand has plenty to play for. There have been long gaps between games and they would want to go into the play-offs with an unblemished record, carrying momentum.
Prediction
New Zealand to win but I’ve been very impressed with Bangladesh’s attitude to their games – they will compete again in this one.
Can New Zealand march into the finals unbeaten, or will Bangladesh spoil their party in Hamilton and set up their own giant-killing run?
Join The Roar from 12 midday for score updates and debate in our live blog.
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