B’desh like being underdogs, can surprise NZ: Coach

Bangladesh coach Steve Rhodes said his charges were relishing being underdogs as they chase a maiden victory over the Black Caps on New Zealand soil on Wednesday.

The tourists have never beaten the hosts in any format during four previous tours to New Zealand but Rhodes said they should not be written off ahead of the first ODI in Napier on Thursday.

“We know it’s going to be very difficult, we’ve got to be realistic,” the Englishman told reporters.

“But we quite like being underdogs. We can surprise a few people and New Zealand know they’ve still got to play some good cricket to beat us.” Rhodes said Bangladesh’s task had been made tougher by the injury-enforced absences of Shakib al Hasan and Taskin Ahmed.