Bangladesh are looking to secure their first ODI victory on New Zealand soil when they take on the hosts in three-match series opener on Sunday at University of Otago Oval in Dunedin. The match starts at 4 AM (Bangladesh Time) and will be aired live on Gazi TV and T Sports.
Bangladesh were win-less on New Zealand soil before their epic Test victory in Mount Maunganui last year but they are yet to snap their losing streak in ODI and T20Is. In the next two weeks, they will get the chance to break the shackle in those two formats.
The three-match ODI series in fact would decide how the things pan out for them. Bangladesh so far lost all 16 ODIs against New Zealand at their soil but overall the ODI stat is not so disrespectful for Bangladesh. Out of the 42 matches between the two sides, Bangladesh won 10 and lost 31 while the rest of the match ended in a no result.
Even Bangladesh were invincible against New Zealand at own den, till New Zealand broke the dominance in this year just ahead of the World Cup.
In that three-match ODI series on Bangladesh's backyard, New Zealand won it by 2-0, to register their first series victory and first ODI victory since 2008.
Now it's the turn for Bangladesh to end a painful streak. Bangladesh though had a disastrous World Cup campaign, the expectation is still high to win their first ODI victory on New Zealand soil. Even without the key players like Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Bangladesh looked confident to achieve the goal. The confidence stemmed from their Test victory against New Zealand at home den as they secured a victory on a good pitch without the key players.
They fell on to their own trap as their plan to rip through New Zealand on a rank turner in Mirpur backfired though to deny them the historical Test series victory.
Bangladesh lacked skill to thrive on sporting wicket, a thing that was evidenced in their World Cup flop. But Bangladesh are used to do well, when they start well. The Tigers definitely would want to have to good start, be it batting or bowling. However to deal with New Zealand's windy and chilly condition will be key.