‘Pacers may find it difficult to thrive in New Zealand’

Former Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza said that the conditions in New Zealand might prove more challenging for Bangladesh pacers. 

The 20-member Bangladesh squad, who are currently in Christchurch for their upcoming three ODIs and as many T20Is against the Kiwis, includes seven pacers. The reason behind including this many frontline pacers was very clear as pitches and the windy conditions in New Zealand are said to be favourable for seamers. 

However, according to Mashrafe, pacers may find it even more difficult to thrive in New Zealand than they do in the country.

"Everyone says that there are seaming conditions in England, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. But the truth is that that trend ended 20 years ago. Now they have flat wickets. In Bangladesh, batsmen find it difficult to score 250 whereas scores of 300-350 are chased in those conditions. It's more difficult for pacers there," said Mashrafe while speaking as the chief guest during the final of the Mujib Borsho Omor Ekushey Tournament 2021 at the central field in Dhaka University today.     

Mashrafe played for Gemcon Khulna in the Bangabandhu T20 Cup last year but was left out of the West Indies squad in January this year and was also not included in the squad for the forthcoming New Zealand series. The pace bowler, who does not play Tests and T20s anymore, last played in an international ODI series against Zimbabwe at home in March 2020.

"We all know that it is very hard to play in New Zealand. They also don't have Shakib [Al Hasan] with them [as the all-rounder skipped the tour of New Zealand to attend the birth of his third child]. But the way they talked before they left was very positive. I believe In Shah Allah they will do well," concluded Mashrafe.