Bangladesh allrounder Shakib thinks good start will be crucial in New Zealand tour

Bangladesh’s ace allrounder Shakib Al Hasan wants the team to get off to a good start in New Zealand in what he describes will be a ‘very challenging’ tour for them.

Sports Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 10 Dec 2016, 04:08 PM
Updated : 10 Dec 2016, 04:08 PM

The 29-year-old southpaw led Dhaka Dynamites to triumph in the Bangladesh Premier League 2016 with a convincing 56-run win over Rajshahi Kings in the final at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday night.

Having fulfilled his aim to win the BPL as captain, Shakib has now turned his attention to his international duties.

He will fly for the Tigers’ conditioning camp in Australia on Saturday night, alongside limited-overs captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Mahmudullah and other national team players who were part of the teams in the BPL final.

After their training camp in Australia, the team will travel to New Zealand.

The Black Caps are always tough opponents in their backyard. Even their neighbours across the Tasman Sea, Australia, often have a tough time taking New Zealand on their turf.

But training in Australian conditions is likely to be helpful for Bangladesh, hence, Shakib feels their camp will also be crucial.

“We are going abroad to play after a long time. The conditions are totally different. It will be very challenging for us. Hopefully, the camp in Australia will be very useful,” he said.

“If we can get off to a good start in the one-day series, then I hope, the whole series will go smoothly.”

The series will kick off with three ODIs from Dec 26, followed by three Twenty20 Internationals before two Tests.

Bangladesh will also play a warm-up match on Dec 22.