Bangladesh stalwart Mushfiqur Rahim believes the side’s upcoming tour of New Zealand could serve as the ideal preparation board for the 2019 ICC World Cup to be held in England.
Bangladesh are due to play three ODIs and as many Tests against the Blackcaps later this month and Rahim feels that the side are good enough to claim a maiden series victory in New Zealand in the 50-over format.
“If you look back you see that we have lost some close ODIs against them. But this time we are more experienced and more confident to beat them on their own soil,” the wicketkeeper-batsman was quoted as saying by United News of Bangladesh.
“We will play three ODIs against New Zealand. I think it will be great preparation for us ahead of the World Cup. We might see some high-scoring games in New Zealand. I think it will be a great challenge for us as well,” he added.
The Kiwis are reeling from a recent 4-1 thrashing at the hands of India but Rahim believes Kane Williamson and his men will still be a difficult proposition to crack in their own backyard.
Bangladesh have never won an ODI series in New Zealand.
“India have won the last series in New Zealand. Despite the loss, New Zealand fought hard. But I believe we can do well there,” he said.
Bangladesh’s top stars are currently involved in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League which culminates on February 8. That means that the national team will have a turnaround time of just five days before the first ODI against New Zealand at Napier gets underway on February 13.
Despite the lack of preparation time, Rahim feels that Bangladesh will be well prepared for the Kiwi test.
“It would be great if we could rest for seven days. We have to cover it up as we are professional cricketers. We were playing, so we should be match-prepared for the New Zealand tour,” Rahim concluded.