History beckons Bangladesh ahead of New Zealand T20 series

Bangladesh will be aiming to maintain their unbeaten record in the T20 format this year when they take on New Zealand in a three-match series starting on Wednesday.

The Tigers have so far played three T20 series far this year, winning them all, which marks their excellent progress in a format where they have traditionally been considered vulnerable.

Following a disappointing T20 World Cup last year, Bangladesh caused a stir by sweeping a three-match T20 series against the mighty England on their home turf in March.

Later, they won the three-match series against Ireland by 2-1 and beat Afghanistan by 2-0. The series victory against Afghanistan was particularly pleasing because Bangladesh always found them in wanting against the Afghans in this format.

All of Bangladesh’s series victory came at home, but now they are up against New Zealand in away conditions. With the next T20 World Cup fast approaching, experts believe the New Zealand series will be a significant test of their actual progress in this format.

Bangladesh has, so far, played nine T20 matches in New Zealand against the Black Caps and lost all of them. However, they can draw confidence from having already broken the deadlock in Tests and ODIs; T20 remains the only format where they still need to break the shackle.

Bangladesh achieved their maiden Test victory in New Zealand last year. Then, just when it looked that they would be unable to snap their losing streak in the ODI format, Bangladesh found their Midas Touch in the last ODI. They routed New Zealand by nine wickets after wrapping up them for just 98 runs, ending New Zealand’s 17-match winning streak at home.

So emboldened by this landmark victory, Bangladesh is highly confident about ending their dismal run in the T20 format as well.

“We are very satisfied with the performance of the Bangladesh team in New Zealand. They are playing well in this series,” BCB Cricket Operations Chairman Jalal Younus said.

“We have been trying to snap the losing streak in New Zealand for a long time.  Last year we won a Test there and now we have won an ODI match. Hopefully this will give the players some confidence to do well in the T20 series.”

T20I series fixtures (Bangladesh Time):

December 27: First T20I, Napier, 12.10pm

December 29: Second T20I, Mount Maunganui, 12.10pm

December 31: Third T20I, Mount Maunganui, 6am