Follow UsNew Zealand have enjoyed considerable success in Pakistan recently. Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, they won the ODI tri-series that featured Pakistan and South Africa. Moreover, they beat Pakistan in the first match of the Champions Trophy. New Zealand can qualify for the semi-final if they beat Bangladesh on February 24 (Monday) in Rawalpindi.
However, skipper Mitchell Santner is not thinking that far ahead and reckons that they need to "reset" going into the clash against Bangladesh, given that they will be up against a completely different side and will play on a different pitch from Karachi.
"I think obviously the lead-in we had with that Tri-Nations series was a good time for guys to get time in the middle. I think at different stages of every game we've played, different guys have stepped up, which is probably the most pleasing thing," Santner said.
"I think the guys will take a lot of confidence in that going into obviously that first game against Pakistan, but then also here into Bangladesh. Again, it's probably a reset, it's a different surface, a different team. But I think the way the guys have been planning and netting and stuff has all been good stuff."
Despite the absence of the experienced Shakib Al Hasan, Santer believes Bangladesh have enough spin options to trouble his side.
"We've seen how good Shakib has been for a long time. He's proven that he can perform in all conditions. They've got obviously Rishad [Hossain] coming in who's a very good leg spinner. Mehidy [Hasan] has done it.
"Mahmudullah, if he plays, can offer some good overs as well, so I think their balance is good at the moment. They have guys who can attack with the bat as well. I mean, Hridoy played a great innings last game, and same, Jaker Ali's come on and done a lot of good stuff already. So yeah, it's a team we're not taking lightly for sure. We know we've got to be on, and on these big events, they can upset any team on their day. So, hopefully, it's not us."
Santner believes it is important for his side to adapt quickly to what promises to be a batting paradise in Rawalpindi. "Traditionally it can be quite a challenge for the seamers and spinners and bowlers here, but I think it's about trying to see what works the best out there," Santner said.
"It might be a high-scoring ground, it might not. It generally is pretty good, but I guess it's the bowling unit's job to try and restrict the best we can. It might not be a 200 wicket, it might be a 300, it might be a good score to try and chase or whatever we want to do.
"So, I think what we're quite good at is adapting and being planned and I think that's what we’ve got to do tomorrow."
The Black Caps have won six of their last seven ODIs matches and will hope to extend their good runs with two more games left in the group stages. After the Bangladesh clash, they will take on India on March 2 in Dubai.