Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim Iqbal believes positive intent and fearless cricket will be key to break through hosts New Zealand as the sides are set to face each other in the first game of the three-match ODI series in Dunedin Saturday.
Bangladesh travelled to the country with the intention of breaking their record of not winning a game in any format against New Zealand on New Zealand soil.
Bangladesh team reached Christchurch last month and following a two-week long quarantine got to the field as a team on March 10.
The tourists besides regular practice sessions played an intra-squad 50-over practice game where both batsmen and bowlers were able to produce some notable performances.
“We should not build pressure on ourselves rather we should play fearlessly. We need to play attacking cricket. By attacking I do not mean that we have to score 100 runs in 10 overs or take five wickets in the first five overs. We need to be positive in whatever we do,” said left-handed batsman Tamim to the media during an online session Thursday.
The left handed opener, who is the captain of the ODI team, has confirmed this during a virtual media conference on the eve of their first ODI match against New Zealand
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“We do not have a good record here for which we will have to think and work differently now. Bowling department is important to me. I am hopeful on the new set of pace bowlers that we have. They will have to learn this way. I am excited to see them work so hard, both in the nets and the practice match. I am hopeful they will do well. Job for us will be easy if they can do well,” said the Bangladesh skipper.
Tamim was open in informing that his XI Saturday will feature at least three pacers from the lot of five that the squad contains.
“We will have at least three pacers in the combination, and also an all-rounder. As a captain, I of course want to play five bowlers as at times it will become tough if you have four bowlers. The fields here are comparatively small and the matches are high-scoring. I think we should play five proper bowlers and we will be doing that,” Tamim explained.
Left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman will be expected to be in the lead of the pace bowling department based on his caliber and experience.
However, Tamim is of the opinion that the 25-year old should be more vocal in order to grow as a leader.
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“Mustafizur is a bit silent. The more vocal he is inside the dressing room, the better for him. He is at a position in the team now that if we play one pacer, he is the automatic choice. The quickly he learns to speak within the team the better for the team. He is a regular in the national team and is playing different franchise leagues. At the moment, he does try to share his experience with other bowlers in the team,” said Tamim.
Hosts New Zealand will miss out on key players in the shape of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor in the game.
New Zealand captain Williamson was ruled out from the series due to elbow injury while Taylor picked up a hamstring injury.
Mark Chapman has been brought on as batting cover for Taylor who is nursing a small tear in his left hamstring.
“Yes, it is advantage for us that two of their main players (Williamson and Taylor) are not playing. But we cannot be complacent because of that. They (New Zealand) are a quality team especially at their home. We all know that they are very good. But it does work as an advantage when your opponent miss out on their two best players,” said Tamim.
