Bangladesh facing visiting New Zealand in the first match of 5 ODI match series. This tour was originally meant to include Tests. But the teams agreed to focus on preparations for the World Cup next year, and opted to play five ODIs instead. For New Zealand, this marks a continuation of their exposure to subcontinental conditions ahead of the big tournament. They were involved in a tri-series in Sri Lanka in July, play five ODIs this series and five more on the tour of India next month which also includes three Tests.<!–more–> By mid-December, New Zealand will have played each of the World Cup co-hosts on their own turf, an ideal lead-up to the event in February. By then they would hope to have settled on their preferred line-up amid some success, especially after the disappointing Sri Lanka tri-series where they failed to reach the final. Their preparation for this tour, however, has been far from ideal, with rain washing out both their practice games. But their opponents have more reasons for concern.
Bangladesh have pulled off the odd surprise since they became part of the cricketing elite, including a five-run win this year against England, but the ‘minnows’ tag continues to haunt them. So many years on, Bangladesh’s occasional victories only re-ignite the belief – both within the country and from their wellwishers in the cricketing fraternity – that they are destined for bigger things. Then the flame flickers again. They have won only two and lost 17 ODIs this year, and are without the injured Tamim Iqbal as they seek to challenge their opponents more consistently.
