Unfazed Latham targets series win as young NZ face Bangladesh

New Zealand stand-in skipper Tom Latham struck a composed yet determined tone on the eve of New Zealand’s challenge against the Tigers, insisting that inexperience would not deter his side from chasing success in unfamiliar conditions.

Arriving with a relatively untested squad for the three-match ODI series, Latham made it clear during a pre-match press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today that expectations within the camp remain unchanged: compete hard and aim to win.

For Bangladesh, the rivalry has evolved into a tale of shifting dominance. Once regarded as an unconquerable force, New Zealand held sway over the Tigers for years, both home and away. That narrative began to unravel in 2010, when Bangladesh stunned the visitors with a 4-0 series triumph at home. The Tigers reinforced that statement in 2013, sweeping the Kiwis 3-0 in another commanding display on home soil.

Yet the pendulum swung back in 2023. New Zealand, despite missing several frontline players, broke a 13-year drought to clinch a 2-0 series win in Bangladesh -- a result that still lingers as a reminder of their adaptability.

Now, history offers both caution and encouragement.

Much like that tour, New Zealand have again opted for a second-string squad, with several players stepping into conditions they have never experienced before. Still, Latham believes exposure -- rather than experience alone -- will define their progress.

“Look, that's obviously our goal. We come here and we want to win a series. I think from everyone's point of view, that's the main target,” Latham told reporters in Mirpur ahead of the tomorrow’s series opener.

“But we know there's a lot of work to do to get to that point. 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 are exposed to places like Bangladesh, the better it will be for us.

“If we can keep improving from game to game, hopefully we can give ourselves a chance towards the back end of the series. As someone with more experience, along with a few others, it's our responsibility to pass on as much knowledge as we can,” he added.

His words reflected a broader transition in international cricket. With franchise leagues increasingly competing for players’ time, opportunities have opened for emerging cricketers to prove themselves at the highest level.

Latham acknowledged the changing landscape but emphasised that representing New Zealand remains a powerful motivator.

“For us, it’s another opportunity to represent New Zealand, and that’s always exciting. A lot of the guys feel the same way. When they get the chance to play for the country, it’s a special feeling.

“Obviously, there are many competitions around the world, and sometimes they clash with international cricket. But that’s the nature of the modern game. It also creates opportunities for other players to step up and prove themselves,” he said.

Conditions in Mirpur, however, are unlikely to be forgiving. While spin has traditionally dominated in Bangladesh, the hosts’ recent success has been driven equally by pace. In their 2-1 ODI series win over Pakistan national cricket team earlier this year, fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Taskin Ahmed emerged as key figures, underlining a growing versatility in Bangladesh’s attack.

Latham was quick to acknowledge that threat.

“Bangladesh have a seam attack with considerable experience, especially in these conditions. Taskin, Mustafizur, and Rana have all performed well. From our point of view, we need to prepare for all scenarios,” Latham said.

He also expects challenging conditions in terms of both pitch and weather.

“The surface looks good, but we know spin will play a role. Bangladesh are playing great cricket at the moment, so we expect a tough challenge. The heat is also quite different from what we’re used to back home, so adapting will be key.

“We’ve looked at the previous matches here against Pakistan, and the scores were reasonably good. As a group, we focus on adapting to any surface, and that will be no different here in Dhaka. We’re excited about the opportunity and looking forward to the challenge,” he added.

Among the touring party, only Latham, Henry Nicholls and Will Young bring prior international experience in Bangladesh. A handful of others have featured at ‘A’ team level, but for many, this tour represents a first real test in subcontinental conditions.