Mithun sees hope for batsmen in Christchurch ODI

Following an eight-wicket loss at Dunedin in the first ODI, the Tigers are gearing up for the second ODI tomorrow at Christchurch and batsman Mohammad Mithun was hopeful that the Christchurch wicket would be more comfortable.

Early swing and bounce decimated the Tigers' batting lineup in the first ODI, bowled out for a below-par 131. The batsmen also played loose shots to cause their own misfortune, but Mithun, who had survived 27 deliveries for his nine runs in the first ODI, was hopeful that the pace in the Christchurch wicket, coupled with lesser bounce, would help the Tigers in the second ODI which will be a day-night affair. 

"What we know is that normally in the Christchurch wicket, the bounce is less (compared to other New Zealand wickets) and the pace is more. Pace is also an advantage to the batsmen as the ball arrives to the bat. Of course, I hope that if we can play to our ability and stay positive then it wouldn't be like Dunedin and we can do something good," Mithun said in a video message today.

The Tigers were excited by the pace prospects they have taken to New Zealand but the Kiwis assailed the target in just 21.6 overs. Mithun said that the batsmen need to set a better total on the board so that Kiwis cannot play fearlessly. Martin Guptill was blazing all guns in chase as he struck 38 off 19 deliveries before he was removed by Taskin Ahmed. By that period, New Zealand had overcome all pressure.

"For a good performance from the bowling unit, a good target (to defend) need to be given. New Zealand were not under any kind of pressure with the 130-odd target. They played fearlessly. Of course our bowling is better compared to other times so we can depend on them. If the batsmen can give a good total then they will be able to show that they are capable."