<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>As Bangladesh gear up for the ODI series against New Zealand commencing on December 17 at the University Oval in Dunedin, stand-in ODI captain Najmul Hossain Shanto emphasized the demanding role that Soumya Sarkar will need to assume in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>While Bangladesh etched memories of triumphant encounters with the Kiwis in ODIs, securing a series victory on New Zealand soil remains an uncharted territory. This series offers Bangladesh a fresh opportunity to script a new chapter in their cricketing history.</div><div><br></div><div>However, the absence of key players such as Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mahmudullah Riyad poses a big challenge. Shakib, dealing with an injury, is concurrently engaged in preparations for the upcoming general election where he is vying for a seat as an Awami League candidate. Tamim and Mahmudullah, for different reasons, will also be sidelined.</div><div><br></div><div>In addition to contending with the New Zealand team, Bangladesh must grapple with the colder conditions in New Zealand compared to their home country. Shanto, however, expressed a lack of concern about the unpredictable weather, emphasizing that it is beyond anyone's control. Undeterred by these challenges, Bangladesh is determined to clinch a victory in New Zealand, asserted Shanto.</div><div><br></div><div>Reflecting on previous tours to New Zealand, Shanto acknowledged the absence of a white-ball victory but remained optimistic about the current team's capabilities. "Some team has to do that. I believe this team has the required ability to beat New Zealand at their home. We all believe we will have a different result this time," Shanto remarked.</div><div><br></div><div>The inclusion of Soumya in the series adds a significant dimension to Bangladesh's strategy. While Soumya was part of the Bangladesh team leading up to the World Cup in India, he was excluded during the tournament. Shanto highlighted Soumya's pivotal role, particularly in the absence of Shakib.</div><div><br></div><div>"Since Shakib is not part of this series, Soumya’s bowling will be important for us. The team management included him considering this fact," Shanto explained.</div><div><br></div><div>In their 17 ODIs in New Zealand before this series, Bangladesh faced the hosts and Scotland in the ICC World Cup 2015, securing only one victory against Scotland. The upcoming series provides an opportunity for Bangladesh to rewrite their narrative on New Zealand soil. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>