New Zealand seeks lessons from Bangladesh series

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New Zealand captain Tom Latham expressed optimism about his relatively inexperienced side ahead of a one-day international series against Bangladesh, despite the absence of key players like Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, and Devon Conway. Latham stated his team aims to maximize learning opportunities from the white-ball tour.

The series is set to commence on Friday. Latham, leading a squad with several emerging talents, believes the visitors hold an edge while emphasizing the valuable experience the tour will provide to younger cricketers.

“We have come here with a slightly inexperienced team, but this provides an opportunity for many players who may not have had the chance before,” Latham said. “Playing in Bangladesh, in these subcontinent conditions, will allow them to build on their experience for the future. Our aim is to give different players opportunities and assess them, which will create good depth for New Zealand cricket going forward.”

Latham reiterated the team’s ambition to win the series. “Our main goal is to win the series, that’s where everyone wants to get to,” he stated. “We need to learn in every match to give ourselves the best chance later in the series. I believe we have a slightly less experienced team here, but playing against Bangladesh is a great opportunity for them. My responsibility is to share the experience of these conditions with everyone. We have to play according to the situation ahead of us.”

New Zealand previously toured Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series in 2023, which they won 2-0. The upcoming series will feature the first two matches in Mirpur, with the final encounter scheduled for Chattogram.