Tigers look to set the record straight

With an aim to change their disappointing record in New Zealand, Bangladesh will begin their fourth bilateral series away from home against the Kiwis today.

In fact, by the time this report is read a major portion of the first ODI between the two teams would have already taken place since the match is scheduled to begin at 4:00am Bangladesh time. It will be broadcast by Bangladesh Television and Channel 9.

Going into the New Zealand series, there was plenty of talk regarding Bangladesh's successes since 2015. The way they tamed Pakistan, India and South Africa at home, their historic Test win against England in Dhaka and the fact that they made it through to the quarterfinal of the World Cup in 2015, are instances that many fans and cricketing pundits have recounted.

However, the fact remains that this series is going to be a different ball game. A series win here can easily supersede all of Bangladesh's successes since it is extremely difficult to beat the Kiwis at home.

Since 2015, they have won 21 of the 25 ODIs at home. While Sri Lanka beat them thrice, Australia beat them once. On the other hand, all the other teams, including Pakistan, the West Indies and South Africa failed to win even a single ODI.

Teams like Pakistan and South Africa are known for their ability to adapt to conditions and do well abroad, but even they failed to storm the Kiwi fortress. As for Sri Lanka, two of their ODI wins came during a long seven-match series. 

Bangladesh however should not be too disheartened. While they never managed to beat the Kiwis at home, they have some encouraging numbers against them.

Away from home, Bangladesh's batsmen average 21.75 against the Black Caps. The Tigers have posted better numbers only against Ireland, Zimbabwe and England.

They also have two players -- Mahmudullah Riyad and Imrul Kayes -- who have scored centuries in New Zealand, which is the highest as far as centuries scored abroad by Bangladesh cricketers is concerned.

It has been their bowling that denied them wins during the earlier tours of New Zealand. Their over-reliance on spin and the unavailability of good pacers to bowl in those conditions were crucial factors that put them down. It is not a surprise that the bowlers average 49 in New Zealand. That number basically means that Bangladeshi bowlers on an average have scalped wickets in New Zealand after every 49 runs, which is quite disappointing.

However, this Bangladeshi team is different. With a brilliant pace attack, a settled top six and a bunch of young spin-bowling all-rounders, this could well be the most balanced team to have ever toured New Zealand.

Bangladesh can also take heart from the fact that they have won eight out of their last nine encounters against New Zealand, albeit all of them were secured at home.

In addition, they will also be encouraged by the fact that a number of their players have recorded their best figures against the Black Caps.

Take for instance Mominul Haque. The left-hander averages a staggering 188 in two Tests against New Zealand and he has two centuries including his highest score of 181 against them.

Shakib al Hasan's best bowling figures in a Test innings, seven for 36, was against the Kiwis. Rubel Hossain has a hattrick against New Zealand in ODIs and has recorded figures of six for 26 against the Kiwis.

Mahmudullah Riyad has an ODI century against the Kiwis in New Zealand, as does Imrul. 

Sure enough, it is going to be a difficult task for Bangladesh to win even a single ODI in this series, but this group has a habit of overcoming difficult tasks and anything can happen in the next month.