New Zealand cricket team is going through a dream run in ODI cricket. Mitchell Santer‘s unit against all odds handed a crushing defeat to Pakistan in the opener of ICC CT 2025. Mitchell Santner though not having ample experience of leading ODI side has done remarkably well and marshalled his troops smartly.
Bangladesh would be keen to prove a point that they aren’t a finished product. The two sides are all set to lock horns on 24th February at Rawalpindi where we can expect a run fest. The difference between Bangladesh & New Zealand is that the Black Caps have got a long batting line up till No.8 position who can bat according to the circumstances as well which is invaluable.
Bangladesh can upset any team on their day- Mitchell Santner
Mitchell Santer was having an interaction with the reporters ahead of the game. Mitchell Santner said that Bangladesh have quality spinners present in the form of Rishad & Mehidy. Santner pointed out that Mustafizur Rahman & Taskin Ahmed along with Nahid Rana can create a havoc with their express pace & can be deadly against Kiwis.
“It’s a team we’re not taking lightly for sure. We know we’ve got to be on, and on these big events, they can upset any team on their day. So hopefully it’s not us. They’ve got obviously Rishad coming in who’s a very good legspinner,” said Mitchell Santner.
“Mehidy Hasan Miraz has done it. Mahmudullah if he plays can offer some good overs as well so I think their balance is good at the moment. They have guys who can attack with the bat as well. I mean Hridoy played a great innings last game (against India) and same, Jaker Ali’s come on and done a lot of good stuff already,” he stated.
“I think they’re a very good team at the moment..I think they’ve always had the spin department covered, but now they’ve got some very good quick bowlers coming through. Taskin’s done it for a long time now. And the Fizz [Mustafizur Rahman], we know how good the Fizz can be. And they’ve got some, you know – Rana – some quicks coming through,” he added.
Steep road ahead for Bangladesh
The Bangladeshi Tigers are in a must win clash. Bangladesh have won only 11 matches out of 45 against New Zealand in ODIs till now. The senior statesman Mushfiqur Rahim will have to step up and up the ante in the middle overs phase as he can negate the threat of spinners with his attacking brand of cricket.
Bangladesh would take inspiration as they had won Test series against Pakistan by 2-0 in Rawalpindi, which is the same venue for the game. A lot will depend on whether Mahmudullah will play or not as his experience is invaluable and has the knack of smashing big sixes in the death overs and can contribute in all 3 facets of game.