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Journalism of Courage
Both Bangladesh and New Zealand have emphasised that batting will be most pivotal element in deciding the three-match limited-overs series.
Inspired by their shock win against the visitors in the opening match, Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful expects his batsman to fare even better on Tuesday on a good wicket at Chittagong’s Birshresta Ruhul Amin Stadium.
Bangladesh won the first one-dayer by seven wickets after restricting New Zealand to just 201 for nine in Dhaka. But the hosts lost the second match on Saturday by 75 runs, mostly due to a slow run rate chasing New Zealand’s 212-9.
“We have to do well in all departments, particularly in batting,” Ashraful said after Monday’s practice session. Bangladesh may play uncapped batsman Imrul Kayes in place of Mahmudullah Riad, while medium-pacer Mahbubul Alam may get his international debut, replacing Shahadat Hossain.
New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum also said his side also expected to get more runs out of the wicket and was more confident after having got enough time to adjust.
The one-day series will be followed by a two-Test series, the first Test will begin on October 17 here while the second Test begins from October 25 in Dhaka.
