BSS, Dhaka
Bangladesh are determined to change their fortune as they take on New Zealand in the first of three-match T20 International series today (Sunday) at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
The match starts at Bangladesh Standard Time 7 am and will be aired live at Bangladesh Television (BTV), Gazi Television and T-Sports.
Despite being swept 3-0 in ODI series, the change of format, however, gives Bangladesh the belief to do well, considering the fact that in the T20 format, there is little difference between big team and small team.
“We’re disappointed with the way that we played in the ODI series” Bangladesh T20 format captain Mahmudullah Riyad said in a recorded video message sent by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Saturday.
Even though Mahmudullah spoke boldly and still believes they can conquer the condition of New Zealand, their performance in T20 format didn’t speak in their favour.
According to Mahmudullah, it is Bangladesh’s batting which let them down in the ODI series.
“As a batting unit, we couldn’t do well. Our bowlers however performed up to the mark. We had done some mistakes for which we couldn’t bring the result in our favour,” Mahmudullah pointed out.
“If we can play a fearless brand of cricket, it is very much possible to bring the result in our favour. I believe, we have immense hunger for victory here. We are desperate to win. Hopefully we will play our best cricket tomorrow,” he remarked.
New Zealand will be without their regular captain Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner and Tim Seifert, who have all been rested to prepare for a grueling IPL schedule. But they will have the experienced Tim Southee, who is leading the side in Williamson’s absence, as well as Martin Guptill and Ish Sodhi.
While New Zealand would field a new-look side, still they are believed to be a tough opponent, considering the fielding and batting firepower they have. Bangladesh on the hand, showed a lacklustre fielding effort in entire ODI series in which they put down five crucial catches that turned the match in Kiwis favour.
Mahmudullah admitted their mistakes in fielding, saying that they need to plug those loopholes in T20 series.
