'Will rest, then switch on for New Zealand'
The BPL campaign ended for Mushfiqur Rahim yesterday and it was time to shift the focus to the upcoming big challenge in New Zealand, but the wicketkeeper-batsman said that he was looking for a break before turning on the switch.
With less than a week left to pack bags for the tour, where the Tigers will once again rely heavily on the right-hander in demanding conditions, the dependable cricketer said that being match-prepared always helps in the confidence department. It must also have been a welcome development that Mushfiqur carried his good international form into the BPL and in various situations guided his side across the finish line.
"If you could get a weeklong break it would have been good as we don't have that much time left, but we need to take that in our stride, being professional players. There is nothing to be prepared for as I will rest for the next few days before turning on the switch for the New Zealand series. Regarding my performance it's better that you guys analyse that as I don't analyse my performances that much and instead just keep trying my best.
"Obviously I wanted to contribute and play match-winning knocks but overall I am happy with my performance, compared to previous editions. There were few situations which were very tough and I wanted to come out from those situations and prove to myself that I am good enough. I am a little satisfied at winning the battle against myself, but not that much," Mushfiqur told reporters yesterday.
Mushfiqur also expressed high hopes about the coming challenge as despite losing both the ODI and Test series during the Tigers' previous tour of New Zealand back in 2016-17, the 31-year old was one of the brightest performers for the Tigers.
According to Mushfiqur, the tour of New Zealand will be ideal preparation for the upcoming ICC World Cup in England, scheduled to start at the end of May this year.
"If you noticed, we came very close in two ODIs -- which we should have won -- before losing in New Zealand in the last tour. If we played better in both Nelson and Christchurch, we may have won both games. But I think it's great preparation ahead of the World Cup and we may get some high-scoring matches. From that point of view, I think it will be challenging for us -- India may have won the ODI series recently but New Zealand put up a good fight," he said.
Bangladesh will play three ODIs, starting from February 13 in Napier, and three Tests during a tour that will last more than a month.
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