Kiwi media fears empty stands during Windies series if team loses third ODI against Bangladesh

The New Zealand media has said that if the team is defeated in the 'face-saving' third ODI against Bangladesh, the cricket board will face a deficit of cash during the West Indies tour, starting from December 3, as home crowds will be far less willing to part with their cash.

According to Stuff.co.nz, although the situation is still not dire for New Zealand like three years ago during the 4-0 series defeat in Bangladesh, the world's ninth-ranked ODI side Bangladesh is fast closing on the eight-ranked position of New Zealand, who is 2-0 down in the current series.

The report said that another defeat in the third ODI, especially when New Zealand is heading into three tougher ODIs in Sri Lanka without Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson and Tim Southee, could see them play in front of empty stadiums against West Indies as home crowds would be far less willing to part with their cash.

Although New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive David White expressed his disappointed at the team's second ODI loss and called a quick turnaround ahead of the upcoming winter matches, however, he was unable to put his finger on the issue, and pushed forward the responsibility on coach Mike Hesson and selector Bruce Edgar.