New Zealand have always been a strong opponent in their won soil. In recent times, they are in a great run of form in all three formats of the game. Skipper Kane Williamson's team has won five consecutive series in all three formats. Recently, they have defeated Australia in a T20 series. Bangladesh T20 skipper Mahmudullah Riyad said that Bangladesh do not want to dwell on the current form of Kiwis and want to do well against them despite their superb form.
Bangladesh's series against New Zealand will start with an ODI s on March 20. Then there is a three-match T20 series. After Monday’s training session, the experienced campaigner, said that pressure increases when the opponent's great rhythm is taken into account, 'New Zealand's condition is always challenging. It will not be easy for us. As a team, we have to perform in all three departments of the game. ‘Perhaps New Zealand are in very good form at the moment. They have just beaten Australia in a T20 series. So without bringing those things in mind, if we could focus on our own strengths and weaknesses, then it will be good for us. If we can play an aggressive brand of cricket, we will do well. '
Mahmudullah also said, his first goal as a batsman is to understand the wicket and adapt to it, and doing so will yield good results, ‘I try to understand the wicket as quickly as possible. I try to adjust with the pace and bounce of the wicket because in all these wickets the presence of extra bounce is there. If we can do our basics right, the results will be good. '
He also finds the task quite difficult for the bowlers. According to him, length is of utmost importance in New Zealand, ‘The most challenging thing for bowlers for me is to bowl in good lengths here. The bowling length is very important in here. If the length is not right, maybe the chances of being hit for a boundary increases. We should not give away easy boundaries and should maintain a consistent bowling line and length. '
The Bangladesh players were all confined to their own rooms for the first three days of self-isolation. After that the players were allowed to walk inside the hotel premises for 30 minutes each day. After the negative Covid-19 tests, they were allowed to train in small groups for two hours each day. However, according to government protocols, there were restrictions and the end of the 14-day quarantine on Tuesday means the Tigers, who have found quarantining difficult in New Zealand, will finally be able to roam around freely and mix with locals.
Mahmudullah said the time so far has been quite enjoyable as all the facilities are excellent, ‘Most important thing is that we can practice and the facilities are wonderful and the wickets too. The practice within the two hours availed to us is going very well.'
