The last time the BLACKCAPS and Bangladesh met in ODI mode, the Tigers recorded their second 3-0 series Banglawash.
That was in Dhaka and Fatullah in 2013 - plenty has changed since. Back then, the BLACKCAPS were trying a number of combinations, at the start of their long term planning toward this very tournament. In 2013 conditions were white hot overhead with spinning tracks underfoot and it will be fascinating to see how the teams go in New Zealand conditions. Not that the top of the table BLACKCAPS last pool match is about payback, according to the skipper.
“I don't know about payback time. But we're in the middle of a really important tournament, and Bangladesh is our opposition tomorrow. It's our next challenge. We've been playing good cricket over the last sort of while. We've got some big tests coming up hopefully as well, and then tomorrow is no different.
“Hopefully, if the weather does seize, then we're able to get out there and play against some in our own conditions, and I'm confident we'll put up a pretty good showing, and sure Bangladesh are confident as well, but I think it could be a good game. But certainly not focusing on any payback as such after their performances against us over in their conditions,” said Brendon McCullum.
In team news, the camp has largely gotten over the stomach virus from earlier in the week, while concerns about Adam Mine’s shoulder mean the starting line up could change for the first time in the tournament, with McCullum remaining tight lipped at the pre-match media session.
"Yeah, I think most of the guys will be fine in terms of the illness. Milney we just want to have a look at it again in the morning. He's probably a little stiff and sore, so we have to make a call on that," said McCullum.
The questions keep coming about the nature of the BLACKCAPS games this tournament – bowling first and bundling sides out cheaply means arguably some batsmen haven’t had a decent run. The message from the camp is still ‘doesn’t matter, as long as we’re winning.’
“You'd argue that we have been tested, but I think we've come through those tests. Score lines may not suggest that we have. But sometimes score lines flatter how hard a game can be as well. I think we've been tested considerably throughout the tournament, and I think we've found a way to get ourselves through those situations and it's really a pleasing aspect.
“We're going to be tested over the next sort of while as well, and we've just got to make sure that we still glean the confidence from what we've been able to achieve, remain incredibly stoic, I guess, in ourselves and our belief about how we can play, and I guess execute our strategy as well and that will give us a good chance,” said McCullum.
The match starts at 2pm in Hamilton, and while there has been rain today in the area, for the match. Traditionally a ground it’s possible to score big on, the moisture in the air may bring the bowlers back into match. Some fans will have the day Sunil Narine extracted massive turn from the Seddon Park pitch back in 2013 in the back of their minds – it will be a fascinating watch.
