Targeting semis, New Zealand take on Bangladesh

ISLAMABAD: New Zealand, the most impressive of outfits in the Champions Trophy so far, aim to seize a semi-final spot when they take on Bangladesh at the Pindi Stadium on Monday.

Fresh from their impressive 60 runs win against hosts Pakistan, New Zealand have become one of the favourites for the title after they convincingly won the tri-series also involving Pakistan and South Africa just ahead of the start of the Champions Trophy.

Kiwis captain Mitchell Santner termed the victory against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy opening match as a perfect execution of the plan given to team members. “Look every player followed the plan chalked up for him. It was the result of perfect teamwork and execution of the plan. We are looking forward to the same performance against Bangladesh on Monday as we have shown against Pakistan in the opening match,” he said.

“Usually we have seen high-scoring strips in Pakistan. Hopefully, on Monday it would be another easy surface suiting the stroke-making.” He praised Tom Latham and Will Young for making a mark against Pakistan. “They were outstanding and had shown true quality. We are looking forward to yet another spirited display from our batsmen.” Young and Latham struck a century each to take the match out of Pakistan’s grasp with New Zealand making a statement at the outset of the Champions Trophy.

New Zealand fielders always back their bowling with some special display as Glenn Phillips did while accepting an outstanding catch to dismiss Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan. “That is what we believe in and have achieved against Pakistan. I am confident that every player would live up to expectations to make it two in a row for New Zealand.”

Santner rated Bangladesh as one of the tough opponents. “When it comes to Champions Trophy, you cannot take any match lightly. Every match is important and every team is tough to beat. Bangladesh is a good side knowing well how to make the best of their abilities.” Bangladesh looked threatening for a brief period against India in their opening match at Dubai Sports City Stadium which they ultimately lost. Losing to the Kiwis would mean curtains for Bangladesh in the event.

Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons praised New Zealand for playing better cricket in the recent past but said: “Every team here comes with a solid preparation and every match is a big match so no one can write off any team on the given day.”

Simmons said that the Pindi Stadium pitch could be a high-scoring venue. “The pitch, ground, and surroundings look full of runs.” Bangladesh team has brought with them sweet memories of beating Pakistan in a Test match almost six months back. “It is never easy to beat a quality team like Pakistan on their home soil. Obviously this ground has some exciting memories as it has proved a favourite hunting ground for the Bangladesh team.”

Simmons was looking forward to a brisk start up front. “We did not get off to a rapid start against India, though the middle and lower-order did well. We need to make a brisk start up front to set a tough target or to chase a good total. That is what we are looking at.”

Teams:

Bangladesh: Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossai Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana.

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.

New Zealand vs Bangladesh

2:00 pm PST