Boult expects good challenge from Bangladesh
Sports Reporter from Cardiff
New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult warned Bangladesh of not living with the outcome between the two sides in the last encounter in Tri-nation series in Ireland. Bangladesh had the last laugh with a five-wicket win over the Kiwis and held the upper-hand with 8-5 if the games between the two sides since 2010 are taken into the consideration. Overall its however 21-9 in New Zealands favour.
Boult said they hadnt got the service of their few important players like Kane Williamson and others who would be involved in the game today, tagged as do or die match for both of the sides.
While the Kiwis were a tad unfortunate against Australia given that they were in a stronger position when the match was called off, Bangladesh were lucky to run away with a point against the Aussies. But both of the side lost their game to tournament favourite and hosts England by huge margin.
Bangladesh are a quality side. Yeah, come the triangular series last month, obviously we had a few players out that werent involved in that but yeah, they are a quality side. We know they are going to come hard, Boult said before the game. Its a must-win game, so its going to be an exciting challenge. Once again, their batsmen have been making runs. I think Tamim at the top of the order is a quality player. Definitely is a blind unit; we need to take wickets, but it should be a very good encounter.
Tamim has been in a form of life and began the tournament with a century, against England, before making 95 against Australia. He was the main target of Australia but Boult said they were not targeting any particular players rather they want to come all guns blazing on the whole Bangladesh unit.
Once again, they are stacked with some quality players. I think weve played them a lot over the last while. We played very nicely against them in New Zealand in our summer back home, Boult said indicating the home series in the last year when they whitewashed Bangladesh in a three-match ODI series. But its an important tournament. Every game is a must-win game and its a must-win game tomorrow. So I cant single out any player, but were looking to come hard. Obviously set the game up and hopefully chase down whatever Bangladeshis set us.
While Bangladesh will be playing their first game in Cardiff after 12 years following their memorable victory over Australia, New Zealand played the last game here two days ago in which they lost to England by 87 runs. Despite losing the match, their local knowledge is better than Bangladesh.
Boult said the local knowledge wouldnt be a matter in the game since Bangladesh have been watching what the wicket behaves here.
I guess its a bit of an advantage, but Im sure Bangladeshis have done their homework, and no doubt would have watched what went down the other day. But yes, new surface, its going to be interesting to see if it plays anything like the other one did, Boult remarked.
The turf of Cardiff, what happened in the second, that second half -- did catch Boult by surprise because it was holding little bit. If it continues in the todays game, it could be a happy hunting ground for Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman.
I suppose a little bit. You dont really prepare for the bowls to kind of hold off a bit like they did. Definitely from our innings, it was a bit of a surprise in terms of we didnt really get that result out of the wicket. But whether it was due to a bit of rain or simply the wicket dried out, were not sure. But yeah, Im presuming its going to be a decent surface prepared, and yeah, a few runs made. But it should definitely be a good challenge come tomorrow, he said.
