Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim Iqbal is taking heart from the recent away Test win in New Zealand before embarking on their South Africa mission, comprising two Test matches and three ODIs.
The Tigers have never won in South Africa across all formats, a situation that was similar in New Zealand before Ebadat Hossain's heroics changed all that against the usually dominant Kiwis at their backyard.
Bangladesh will leave here for South Africa Friday night where they will first contest the three ODIs and Tamim said they are all eager to change their overall record there.
The three ODIs will be held from March 18-23 while the two-Test series will get underway on March 31.
"The stage we are at in one-day cricket, actually it would not be right to talk about anything other than targeting a victory. Obviously we will go with the intention of winning but with that said, it is also a tough challenge. Our record there is not that good," said Tamim to the media Wednesday.
"But records are such that they can be changed anytime. Great example of that would be the away Test win in New Zealand, where we haven't played well in any format. We have been able to change that.
"We would try to change our record against South Africa in their backyard. We all know it is challenging. They are a good side in their own conditions. We would give our very best. I won't say we want to play good cricket only, maybe this used to be said around 10 years ago. Of course we want to win. For this to happen, we would leave no stones unturned. If the result comes in our favor, very good. If not, we would graft even harder."
Despite the absence of all-rounder Shakib al Hasan, who has been granted leave from national duty till April 30, Tamim said anything is possible for Bangladesh if they have the belief.
"We are proving we can win in different formats home and away. If you think about New Zealand, we couldn't win there in 30-32 games. But our team has changed that. Hopefully our side will change the record also in South Africa. I have always believed the fact that if you stay fresh mentally, whatever happens around you, if you have that belief then anything can be achieved," said the Bangladesh ODI skipper.
"I can say one thing about my team, everyone believes something good can be done. I always talk about acquiring maximum points possible (ODI Super League) because we have to be mindful about other things too. We will try with our maximum effort. Let's see then what happens at the end of the game."
