ZCZC
BSP-22
CRICKET-1ST-ODI-NZ-PREVIEW
Tigers to play fearless cricket in 1st ODI against New Zealand
DHAKA, March 18, 2021 (BSS)-Bangladesh vows to unleash a fearless brand of
cricket as they take on New Zealand in the first of three-match ODI series on
Saturday at the University of Otago in Dunedin.
The match starts at 4 am, Bangladesh Standard time.
The Tigers have taken the policy of playing fearless cricket in a bid to
create pressure on New Zealand right from the outset as they oozed with
confidence to beat the Kiwis for the first time at their own den unlike the
other Bangladeshi sides that toured here in the past.
Bangladesh failed to register any victory on New Zealand soil on 26
meetings (13 ODIs, 9 Tests and 4 T20Is) against the Kiwis but the vibe is
completely different this time around.
Emboldened by their surge in the ODI cricket, Bangladesh now dreams to
make it big. The absence of Kiwi captain Kane Williamson, one of the top
three players at this moment and senior batsman Ross Taylor boosted
Bangladesh further.
“We have to play fearless brand of cricket, an attacking game if we want to
create pressure on New Zealand,” Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim Iqbal said in a
pre-match press conference that was held via Zoom today.
“Attacking cricket doesn’t mean that we have to score 100 runs in 10 overs
or we have to take five wickets in first five overs. Attacking cricket means
we have to stay positive always. Since our past record is not good here, we
have to act and think differently,” he added.
“To me what is important is our bowling department. If we can be aggressive
in bowling, it may work for us. Actually I am very optimistic about our new
pacers. I am very excited as they have worked hard in the net. If they can do
well, it will be easier for us,” he further added.
Even though Bangladesh so far has not won any game on New Zealand soil,
stat suggested they have been successful against this opponent, at least in
ODI cricket. Apart from West Indies and Zimbabwe, New Zealand is the other
team against whom Bangladesh’s win record reached double digit figure. Out of
35 games, Bangladesh won 10 matches against New Zealand.
All of those 10 victories came against New Zealand in neutral venues or in
Bangladesh in 22 meetings, which meant, outside of New Zealand, Bangladesh
remains a tough opposition for the Kiwis always.
Tamim also probably knew the stat and therefore he repeatedly emphasized
on being positive.
“Our pace attack is now better than the other time, which is one reason
that we are now confident. You need a good pace attack to do well in New
Zealand. Secondly, what is imperative in foreign tour is to keep belief on
your ability. We have to believe that we can do well from the first match.”
Tamim said there preparation is also very good but the main thing is to
execute it into the ground.
“The preparation can be better than this. The plan was good-we had small
group training during quarantine and then we have full fledged practice
session. We can’t expect more than that,” he remarked.
“Batting is very tough in New Zealand in first 10-15 overs..that is not
only for Bangladesh, but also for other countries too. So we have to be
careful in this period,” he pointed out.
BSS/SMP/RY/19:15 hrs