New Zealand captain Tom Latham has expressed confidence that his side can overcome Bangladesh in the upcoming three-match ODI series, while acknowledging the challenges of subcontinental conditions and the relative inexperience within his squad.
Speaking ahead of the opening match, Latham said the visitors are clear about their primary goal—winning the series—but stressed that achieving it will require adaptation and steady improvement. “We come here and we want to win a series. That’s the main target from everyone’s point of view,” he said. However, he added that the team understands the amount of work needed to adjust to local conditions before reaching that goal.
Latham noted that the series would serve as an important learning opportunity for several players who have limited exposure to conditions in Bangladesh. He emphasized the need for gradual progress from game to game, suggesting that increased experience in such environments would benefit the team in the long run. According to him, the focus is not only on immediate results but also on development across the squad.
The New Zealand skipper also highlighted the role of senior players in guiding younger members through the demands of playing in the subcontinent. He said experienced cricketers must share knowledge and help less experienced teammates adapt quickly to conditions that differ significantly from home.
While backing his squad’s potential, Latham acknowledged Bangladesh’s strength at home, particularly after their recent 2-1 series win over Pakistan. He described Bangladesh as a “quality team” in familiar conditions and warned that they would pose a strong challenge throughout the series.
Latham also pointed to Bangladesh’s balanced bowling attack, which combines pace and spin effectively. He specifically mentioned the threat posed by bowlers such as Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Nahid Rana, noting that his side is preparing for all possible scenarios.
On a personal note, the New Zealand captain dismissed individual milestones, stressing that his focus remains on fulfilling his role for the team. He added that adapting to heat, pitch behavior, and overall playing conditions in Bangladesh will be crucial for success, especially over the course of the full 100 overs.
Latham concluded that disciplined execution and quick adaptation will determine how well his side performs in the series opener.
