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Bangladesh have demonstrated in recent years their ability in the 50-over game and will provide stiff opposition for the BLACKCAPS. They have a settled squad and a couple of top quality players. Shakib Al Hasan is a world class all-rounder and when fit Mashrafe Mortaza is one of the best fast bowlers in world cricket.
Earlier this year the BLACKCAPS claimed the ODI series in New Zealand and Bangladesh will be keen to reverse their fortunes on their home turf.
The BLACKCAPS are boosted by the return of Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum who missed the recent tri-series in Sri Lanka with the squad containing a number of exciting new players looking to cement their place in the team.
The series will have an extra edge as both teams are building towards next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup so every One-Day match is important.
“It’s a chance for us to consolidate game plans and tactics and for the newer players to seal their place in the team before the World Cup,” Vettori said. “Bangladesh can be difficult to beat in their own backyard and have tested other teams in the past, so it will be a real challenge.”
BLACKCAPS coach Mark Greatbatch is looking forward to the series and despite recent wins against Bangladesh said he won’t be resting on their laurels. “The tour is a good opportunity for us to try and play good dominant cricket. Bangladesh are not easy beats, and they’ve beaten other teams on home turf,” he said. “They are improving so will be tough. We will be aiming to play consistent cricket.”
Some new faces have also joined the BLACKCAPS for the series. Canterbury Wizard’s players Shanan Stewart, who made his international debut against Australia during the New Zealand summer, and right-arm fast bowler Hamish Bennett are two to watch. “Shanan Stewart is a nice free flowing batsman who has the ability to score quickly while Hamish Bennett has the ability to generate some real pace,” Greatbatch said.
