Bangladesh are aiming for a winning start to gain an early psychological advantage when they take on New Zealand national cricket team in the opening match of the three-match ODI series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday.
The match will begin at 11:00 am, revised from the original 2:30 pm start in line with government energy conservation measures.
Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz stressed the importance of a strong start to build momentum in the series.
“The first match is very important. A good start can help us carry momentum through the series,” he said at a pre-match press conference.
Miraz downplayed concerns over the revised timing, saying the team had prepared for daytime conditions.
“We have trained very well in the last month, and most of our sessions were held during the day. So I don’t think the change of time will have any negative impact,” he added.
He also highlighted strong team spirit and motivation within the squad ahead of the series opener.
“The team bonding has been excellent. Everyone is desperate to put on a good performance and contribute. I think the players are well motivated to win the series,” he said.
Despite New Zealand missing several first-choice players, Miraz warned against complacency.
“There is nothing like a first-choice or second-choice team. It’s a national side, and everyone takes pride in representing their country. New Zealand are traditionally very disciplined and know how to win games. We have to be very careful and deliver our best performance.”
New Zealand captain Tom Latham, meanwhile, said his side is also targeting a series win despite fielding a relatively inexperienced squad.
“We’ve come here to win the series. That’s the main target,” Latham said.
He added that the tour will provide valuable exposure for younger players in subcontinental conditions, while stressing the importance of senior players guiding the group.
New Zealand won their last ODI series in Bangladesh 2-1 in 2023, their first series win in the country since 2013, underlining their ability to challenge the hosts in familiar conditions.
Overall, the two sides have met 46 times in ODIs, with New Zealand winning 34 matches, Bangladesh 11, and one match ending with no result.
Squads
Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Liton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.
New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver, Dean Foxcroft, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young.
