The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sports Reporter

Bangladesh National Cricket team will face New Zealand National Cricket team today in the first One Day International (ODI) match at the Eden Park in Hamilton of New Zealand. The Sab Channel will telecast the match live from 5.00 AM from the stadium.

Before taking part in the, ODI Bangladesh played eight ODI matches against New Zealand and the Tigers lost to the Kiwis all the ODI matches.

This is for the first time the Tigers are going to play ODI matches and Test matches against the Kiwis in New Zealand.

It may be mentioned that the players of Bangladesh team are morally very high as the Tigers beat full-fledged New Zealand XI by four wickets in the charity Twenty 20 match at the Seddon Park in Hamilton on December 23.

Bangladesh's chances have been hampered by the loss of their prolific left-arm medium pacer Syed Rasel, who got injury in his shoulder during a warm-up match against Northern Districts.

On the other hand, New Zealand will take part in the first ODI without their key weapon Shane Bond, who suffered an abdominal during the tour to South Africa last month.

Former captain of New Zealand team Stephen Fleming said that it felt very tentative with the batting unit. Fleming is no longer part of ODI squads of New Zealand.

Jamie Siddons, the newly appointed Bangladesh Coach believes developing consistency is their biggest challenge.

However, the cricket lovers of Bangladesh expect a positive approach from their side in the upcoming ODI match against New Zealand.