Batsmen must step up and give the bowlers something to defend - Tamim

Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal believes the batsmen will have to learn from their mistakes after they were shot down for just 131 in the opening ODI against New Zealand. Trent Boult picked up four wickets while other bowlers chipped in as well before New Zealand bagged an easy eight-wicket win.

"There shouldn't be an excuse regarding the preparations," he pointed out. "We had practiced quite a lot during the quarantine period, as we had practiced in Queenstown, and in here too (Dunedin), so we were mentally prepared on what to expect from New Zealand, or how should be the conditions.

"Though it was quite difficult to bat in the morning, we have to refrain from overlooking our mistakes. I take a lot of pride in our batting and I don't think getting bundled up for 131 runs is good for us at all.

"The problem is, we had 4-5 soft dismissals, which pushed us to the backfoot early in the game. There were mistakes in shot selection, which led to the soft dismissals. If we learn from our mistakes, and score at least 260-270, then the result will be different. The batsmen must step up and give the bowlers something to defend."

Tamim himself started positively as he struck a six against Boult in the very first over. He followed it up with a boundary against Matt Henry but was beautifully set up by Boult before being trapped lbw. Soumya Sarkar fell three balls later and that led to an early wobble that cost Bangladesh the game.

Boult, however, felt Bangladesh are capable of putting together a more comprehensive performance and challenge the hosts. "It was nice to win the toss and obviously bowl on it early," Boult said. "I thought the guys put the ball in a nice area. We speak as a group about keeping the pressure on and not letting the opposition get away from us. It was nice to restrict them and keep the wickets flowing throughout the innings. It was a good bowling performance all around.

"I think when you see their players on paper, the experience they have, they will be 100 per cent eager to put it all together in New Zealand. Conditions are foreign to them compared to what they are used to, back home. They are not an opposition that we can afford to take lightly,'' he said.

It was the first time in six years that New Zealand fielded an eleven without Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor in it. That gave Tom Latham, playing his 100th ODI, a chance to hand three debuts. Devon Conway, Will Young and Daryl Mitchell didn't have much to do but Boult stressed they will stamp their authority going ahead in the series.

"I think the group is pretty familiar with the style of cricket we want to play in this format. It is pretty unique that we had three ODI debuts today. They didn't get a real chance to show themselves with the batting, but Will Young is an established first-class cricketer," the pacer pointed out. "Devon Conway made a great start to his career as well. It is a little different not to have Kane and Ross in that line-up but it is nice to know there's a bit of depth there. The guys are hungry to get out there and stamp their authority.

"These guys feel like they have been part of the woodwork for a very long time. Daryl had a good start to his international career, especially with the red-ball stuff. There's a good vibe going on in the change room this week. There's still a lot of hard work to be done in this series but we are going to grounds where we enjoy playing cricket as well. Hopefully, they will have a role to play in the series."

The two teams will now head to Christchurch for the second ODI on March 23.