New Zealand seek help to ward off dangerous Shakib

Ajaz Patel
Ajaz Patel
  • Black Caps squad have been working with left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel to simulate the threat posed by Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan
  • All-rounder took his 250th ODI wicket in win against South Africa

If recent meetings are anything to go by, New Zealand should head into their clash with Bangladesh brimming with confidence.

The Black Caps, who opened their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup account with a ten-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, recently whitewashed Bangladesh 3-0 in a series in New Zealand.

However, wicket-keeper Tom Latham insists that this Bangladesh side, fresh from an opening win against South Africa, are a very different beast because of the return of Shakib Al Hasan.

The all-rounder was absent in New Zealand but scored a magnificent century on his way to being named player of the match when Bangladesh beat the Black Caps on their last meeting on English soil at the 2017 Champions Trophy, qualifying for the semi-finals at the expense of their opponents.

That day it was with the bat that Shakib made the difference, however his bowling may be just as crucial at The Oval, and New Zealand have turned to left-arm bowler Ajaz Patel in the nets to get used to the left-arm spin they will face.

Latham explained: “It’s always valuable when you have a like for like bowling to in the nets. We know what sort of bowler Shakib is.

“He’s had a lot of success around the world for a long period of time, and he wasn’t in New Zealand in our last home summer series.

“So I think it’s important that we get used to a left-arm spinner, and we are certainly looking forward to the challenge of facing him.

“We’ve played Bangladesh a lot over the last couple seasons, we sort of know how they go about things, and recent tournaments, they have obviously played really well in the Champions Trophy a few years ago, then obviously their game here a few days ago.

“So we know what threats they have on their side but hopefully we can stick to the things that we do well and keep going on the momentum that we built up a few days ago.”

With Tim Southee and Henry Nicholls still unavailable, New Zealand will name an unchanged team for the day/night game at The Oval.

That means the trio of Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and Trent Boult will again lead the attack, having caused Sri Lanka so many problems.

And Latham has backed them to perform again as New Zealand look to make it two wins from two.

He added: “Obviously I think the way we played in the last game bodes a lot of confidence for the group.

“I think the way the bowlers went about things they challenged the guys, or challenged Sri Lanka much from ball one, and I’m sure the same side is looking to hopefully repeat that.

“I think Bangladesh are a quality side who can adapt to conditions really well. I think for our bowling attack, we are used to bowling on our surfaces that do offer a little bit in terms of if there is a little bit more grass.

“So hopefully we can apply that pressure that we are used to, and I’m sure Bangladesh will be coming up with plans to counterattack our seam attack, and I’m sure it’s going to bode for a good contest.”