Last Updated on 4 years by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: Need “better wickets” vs New Zealand – Shakib | Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan calls for better pitches for series vs NZ

Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has called for better pitches for Bangladesh’s upcoming T20I series against New Zealand.

The Tigers are coming off a memorable 4-1 series victory over Australia, which included knocking the Aussies over for their record-low score of 62 all-out. However, Shakib believes that Bangladesh will benefit more ahead of the T20 World Cup with better surfaces for the five matches against New Zealand.

Low scores were the theme of the Australia series, with Bangladesh’s total of 131 in the first T20I ending up as the highest total. So, while the Tigers achieved a memorable series result, it is reported that many in Bangladesh’s cricketing circles believe that the team can get caught off-guard in more batting-friendly conditions in Oman and UAE.

Need better wicket vs New Zealand – Shakib

Shakib, who was man of the series against Australia, is looking forward to the New Zealand series. The all-rounder looks at the upcoming five matches as a great chance to prepare effectively for the T20 World Cup, where Bangladesh will be aiming to qualify to the Super 12s out of a group that contains Scotland, Papua New Guinea and Oman.

“Wherever T20s are played, it is usually played on a good wicket. Maybe it would benefit us more (T20 World Cup preparation) if we could play in a better wicket against New Zealand,” Shakib said to Daily Samakal.

“It is up to the team management to decide on what type of wicket they want to play before going there. Whatever it is, we have to adapt. Since the game is in our country, there is no chance to make excuses,” Shakib said.

Shakib Al Hasan could also get some playing time in the upcoming IPL to fine turn his preparations for the World Cup. He is currently in the USA, and is set to join his teammates for the New Zealand series, which begins on September 1.