Poor starts a blip, Mortaza says

Mashrafe Mortaza
Mashrafe Mortaza
Here is the thing about those two eight-wicket losses Bangladesh has stacked up on its tour to date - they will not count for anything come June during the World Cup.

New Zealand will start today's third and final one-dayer in Dunedin as a firm favourite.

The Black Caps have comprehensively outplayed the touring side during the first two games in home conditions.

But the sides will meet on neutral ground early during the World Cup and Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza believes his side will not be carrying too much baggage into the fixture, even if the Black Caps complete a 3-0 series victory.

''I don't think there is much to change,'' he said.

''These guys are experienced enough to do well. There have been a few things that we haven't done the way we want to.

''But let's see, there is still a match left. We can get some confidence going into ... the World Cup.

While Mortaza's top order has let him down in New Zealand - Bangladesh has been five for 71 and five for 93 - he is confident it is blip rather than a trend.

''We have been pretty good in the top order since September-October, I guess,'' he said.

''The last two games have not gone very well. We've been struggling a little bit here but that happens.

''We have to be very much positive and still there is a match left so we'll fight.''

Bangladesh strung together consecutive victories against the Black Caps in 2017. It beat New Zealand by five-wickets in a tri-series match in Dublin and recorded a five-wicket win at Sophia Gardens during the ICC Champions Trophy.

If it can get off to better start today, and with the way its middle and lower order has been batting, there is no reason why Bangladesh cannot post or chase a big score.

The pitch is expected to play well, although it may offer the seamers assistance early on.

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