Latham confident NZ can overcome Bangladesh challenge in ODI series

Dhaka, 16 April - New Zealand captain Tom Latham has expressed strong confidence ahead of the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh 

national cricket team, despite acknowledging the challenges of sub-continent 
conditions and a relatively inexperienced squad.

Speaking to the media before the opening match, Latham made it clear that 
winning the series remains the primary objective for the visitors.

"We come here and we want to win a series. I think from everyone's point of 
view, that's the main target. But we know there's obviously a lot of work to 
do leading up to get to that point," he said.

The New Zealand skipper emphasized the importance of gradual improvement, 
particularly for players unfamiliar with conditions in Bangladesh.

"For us, it's about learning and growing from game to game. We've got some 
guys with a little bit less experience in these conditions, but the more 
they're exposed to places like Bangladesh, it's only going to be a good thing 
for us," he added.

Latham also highlighted the responsibility of senior players to guide younger 
teammates through challenging conditions.

"When you have a team with a little bit less experience, certainly my duty 
and that of others who've played in these conditions is to pass on as much 
knowledge as we can," he noted.

Despite his optimism, Latham acknowledged that Bangladesh will be a 
formidable opponent, especially on home soil.

"Bangladesh in these conditions is certainly a quality team. They're coming 
off a great series win against Pakistan, so they're going to be a challenge," 
he said.

Individually, Latham boasts an impressive record against Bangladesh in ODIs, 
having scored two centuries and five fifties in seven matches. However, he 
downplayed personal milestones, stressing team contribution over individual 
performance.

"It's about trying to do my role as best as I can for the team," he remarked.

The New Zealand captain also pointed out the evolving strength of 
Bangladesh's bowling attack, which now combines both spin and pace 
effectively.

"It's an attack with quite a bit of experience, especially in these 
conditions when you look at Taskin, Mustafizur, and Nahid Rana. We're going 
to prepare for everything," Latham said.

He further mentioned that adapting to local conditions, including heat and 
pitch behavior, will be key for his side.

"It's obviously hot and slightly different from back home in New Zealand. For 
us, it's about adapting as best we can and putting all our energy into the 
hundred overs," he concluded.BSS