Bangladesh are set to face New Zealand in an ODI series, and both teams’ captains have shared their thoughts before the first match. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, leading Bangladesh, insists that New Zealand are not a weak side, despite them potentially being under-strength. Tom Latham, New Zealand’s captain, is encouraging his less-experienced players to draw on their domestic form to succeed at this level.
Latham’s Focus on Domestic Skills
Latham wants his players to bring their own skill sets to the game. He said that the goal for everyone is to bring their own skill and play the way they have for their domestic sides back home in New Zealand. Latham believes that if they do that, they will give themselves the best opportunity. He also noted that everyone across the whole squad has played for New Zealand at some point.
Mehidy’s Perspective on the Series
Mehidy said that Bangladesh will try their hardest to get the result in their favour. He also acknowledged that every game is important for professional cricketers. Earning ranking points gives the series a little more importance, according to Mehidy. He believes that winning the series against New Zealand would be a significant achievement for Bangladesh, adding that the team is in good shape, with the last two series wins demonstrating their strong team bonding.
New Zealand’s Awareness of Bangladesh’s Strengths
Latham said New Zealand are aware of Bangladesh’s bowling attack, which has both pace and spin. He respects the pace bowling trio that played a match-winning role in the series against Pakistan last month. He also remains wary of what spin can do in the conditions. He noted the experience of Bangladesh’s seam attack, highlighting Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and Nahid Rana.
Batting Conditions and Pitch Expectations
Mehidy said that their batting needs to react well to any type of wicket. He hopes the series will be played on good pitches, similar to those used against Pakistan. He also pointed out that both Pakistan and Bangladesh were bowled out cheaply at least once in that series. Mehidy believes that it is more important how the players manage themselves on any type of wicket.
Latham believes he has the opportunity to regain a place in the middle order after being dropped recently; Mehidy has led Bangladesh in two successive ODI series wins but the jury is still out on his captaincy.