McClenaghan warns of Bangladesh threat

Bangladesh will be treated with respect by New Zealand, who want to take an unbeaten record into the World T20 semi-finals.

New Zealand are realistic enough to know their unbeaten World Twenty20 charge could end in the blink of an eye - quite conceivably against winless Bangladesh.

The Black Caps have already qualified for the semi-finals courtesy of three group wins from three heading into Saturday's clash at Kolkata's Eden Gardens - venue of the tournament final on April 3.

Pace bowler Mitchell McClenaghan says his team's focus isn't on the decider. Nor the semi-final for that matter.

He won't take his eyes off a Bangladesh side who he insists are just as capable of knocking them over as vanquished group opponents India, Australia and Pakistan were.

"You know that T20s are such a fickle mistress that you can play really well and still get beat or just have an off-day and get absolutely pumped," McClenaghan said.

"We're quietly confident in the skills of the group but we know that T20s a tough game to be consistent. It's nice that we've won three in a row and we'll try to keep that momentum going."

New Zealand have lost their last seven completed one-day internationals against Bangladesh on Asian soil, having struggled to counter their spin-based attack.

This Black Caps team is more adept in subcontinent conditions, mainly through the experience of several players in the Indian Premier League.

McClenaghan learned during a stint with the Mumbai Indians that blasting opponents out with pace is a tactic fraught with difficulty.

"I try and turn it as well," he laughed.

"It's just about changing your pace, using your lengths and getting hit to fielders really."

He says the team appreciated a light build-up on Friday after a heavy travel schedule over the past week.

Playing at the famed Eden Gardens will be something he and his teammates will cherish, he said.

"This place is insane when it's absolutely packed, you can't hear yourself think.

"It's an amazing place to play cricket and hopefully we get a good crowd in and we can make it four from four."


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Source: AAP


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