Ahead of the ODI series in New Zealand, the Tigers’ stalwart Mushfiqur Rahim said Bangladesh are now capable of beating the Kiwis in their home in ODIs while talking to the media after the first Eliminator match of BPL 6 between Chittagong Vikings and Dhaka Dynamites.
Mushfiqur led the Vikings in the Eliminator who have lost the match and their BPL came to an end.
Right after BPL, Bangladesh will tour to New Zealand for a long series comprising three ODIs and as many as Tests. The series will kick off with the three-match ODI series. Bangladesh have never won an ODI series in New Zealand but this time they have a good chance, believes Bangladesh’s former captain Mushfiqur.
“If you look back you see that we have lost some close ODIs against them. But this time we are more experienced and more confident to beat them on their own soil,” Mushfiqur said on Monday while talking to the reporters.
“We will play three ODIs against New Zealand. I think it will be great preparation for us ahead of the World Cup. We might see some high-scoring games in New Zealand. I think it will be a great challenge for us as well,” Mushfiqur further said.
New Zealand lost their last ODI series against India. Mushfiqur said: “India have won the last series in New Zealand. Despite the loss, New Zealand fought hard. But I believe we can do well there.”
Bangladesh team will not get the required rest after the BPL as the first ODI of the series will be held on February 13, just five days after the T20 bonanza wraps up with the final. But the right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman feels it will be enough.
“It would be great if we could rest for seven days. We have to cover it up as we are professional cricketers. We were playing, so we should be match-prepared for the New Zealand tour,” Mushfqiur further told the reporters.
While the first ODI will be held on February 13 in Napier at 7am BdST, followed by two more on February 16 and 20 in Christchurch and Dunedine respectively at 4am. The three-match Test series will start on February 28.
