Bangladesh's cricket team is eager to secure a vital confidence boost ahead of the upcoming 50-over World Cup as they face off against New Zealand in a three-match ODI series. Following their absence from this month's Asia Cup final, Bangladesh is determined to use this series to prepare themselves for the World Cup challenge, starting this Thursday.
In preparation for the World Cup, Bangladesh strategically rested several key players from the Asia Cup, including captain Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Najmul Hossain, and Towhid Hridoy, to ensure they remain fresh and free from injuries. However, they have yet to announce their squad for the World Cup next month.
New Zealand, on the other hand, has only sent five players who are part of their World Cup squad: stand-in skipper Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, and Will Young.
Tamim Iqbal, who recently stepped down as ODI captain due to a back problem, has now recovered and will return to play for Bangladesh. Additionally, Mahmudullah, who was dropped from the team following a series against England in March due to poor form, is making a comeback.
Liton Das, who leads the side in Shakib’s absence, said: “There are many things to achieve from the series. The first thing is to win, that will be a big achievement ahead of the World Cup.
“We won’t play to show just individual brilliance. A five-wicket haul or a century doesn’t matter if the team doesn’t win.”
Ferguson, yet to play on Bangladesh soil, believes conditions will test his New Zealand team to the limit.
“Bangladesh is very good in home conditions and is a huge challenge here,” he said. “It’s important for us just to focus on what’s coming up tomorrow and try to adapt as quickly as possible to the conditions. Some of us haven’t played here so we’ll have to adapt quicker.”
New Zealand has not won an ODI match in the country since 2008 and Ferguson said the input of former Bangladesh bowling coach Shane Jurgensen would be invaluable.
“We’re leaning on the knowledge of the guys who have been here previously and leaning on Jurgensen about how to play the game, construct our innings with the bat and try to defend it with the ball, or vice versa,” he said.
