Being ‘underdogs’ suits Bangladesh

Bangladesh will be missing their vastly experienced cricketer Shakib Al Hasan in the New Zealand ODI series after he sustained an injury during the Bangladesh Premier League final.

Not only his all-round skill, but Shakib is the vice-captain and one of the leaders of the side. Part of that famed 'big five'. Without him Tigers will have to seek balance elsewhere and Steve Rhodes the Bangladesh coach admitted that it would be a difficult task but the team likes the prospect of being underdogs.

Rhodes said that 'it is a big blow for us because there are not many Shakib Al Hasans in the world' but that being shorthanded had its advantage cause his side like being underdogs.

Bangladesh always go into major tournaments as underdogs but their performances in the 2015 World Cup and the ICC Champions Tropyy is cause for hope. While New Zealand are a tough proposition at home, Rhodes would like his side to surprise the hosts.

"It's a big task. Our captain Mash was quoted in the media and he doesn't really say we can't win. But coming up against New Zealand here, we know it's going to be difficult. Just being realistic. But we quite like being underdogs and I think we can surprise a few people being an underdog. I think New Zealand knows that they will have to play some very good cricket to beat us," he concluded.