Good start will help Bangladesh against New Zealand: Shakib

Dhaka, Dec 11 (IANS) Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan wants the team to get off to a good start in New Zealand in what he describes will be a "very challenging" tour for them.

The 29-year-old southpaw led Dhaka Dynamites to triumph in the Bangladesh Premier League 2016 with a convincing 56-run win over Rajshahi Kings in the final at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday, reports bdnews24.com.

Having fulfilled his aim to win the BPL as captain, Shakib has now turned his attention to his international duties.

He has flown to Australia for Bangladesh's conditioning camp, alongwith limited-overs captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Mahmudullah and other national team players who were part of the teams in the BPL final.

After their training camp in Australia, the team will travel to New Zealand.

New Zealand are always tough opponents in their backyard. Even their neighbours across the Tasman Sea, Australia, often have a tough time taking New Zealand on their turf.

But training in Australian conditions is helpful for Bangladesh, hence, Shakib feels their camp will also be crucial.

"We are going abroad to play after a long time. The conditions are totally different. It will be very challenging for us. Hopefully, the camp in Australia will be very useful," he said on Saturday before travelling.

"If we can get off to a good start in the one-day series, then I hope, the whole series will go smoothly."

The series will start with three One-Dayers from December 26, followed by three Twenty20 Internationals before two Tests.

Bangladesh will also play a warm-up match on December 22.

--IANS

sam/vt