Tigers begin fresh T20 chapter

Bangladesh return to T20 cricket following a five-month hiatus as they face New Zealand in the first of a three-match series at Chattogram’s Bir Sreshtho Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium today. 
Carrying fresh resolve and new faces, the hosts are set to begin at 2pm, with the action broadcast live on T Sports.
The landscape of Bangladesh cricket has shifted dramatically since their last T20 international against Ireland in November. 
Following a T20 World Cup boycott, a new government has formed, and a revamped board has taken charge with a new chairman and two new selectors. Despite the off-field turbulence, captain Litton Das insists his side is focused.
“I definitely think we have moved on,” Litton told reporters on Sunday. 
“The main thing is, in international cricket, each and every single game is important for the players. I think the players will think accordingly and do what is required to represent Bangladesh with a winning mindset.”
With no immediate global event on the horizon, Litton has opted for a rotation policy. Frontline pacers Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Nahid Rana have been rested ahead of a heavy schedule of ODIs and Tests. This opens the door for new inclusions Abdul Gaffar Saqlain and Ripon Mondol, as Litton seeks to provide fringe players meaningful opportunities.
“I don’t want to put pressure on the players. After playing one or two games, everyone will realise everything automatically from their own point of view,” the captain added.
Bangladesh have nine T20s scheduled this year, including upcoming series against Australia in June and India in August. Litton views today’s opener as the foundation of a longer journey. “The three back-to-back series are against strong opponents. So this is a positive sign that once we play this one, the next two will become relatively easy,” he explained.
New Zealand captain Tom Latham, meanwhile, warned that T20 cricket can shift in an instant and urged his side to seize the defining moments.
“It only takes one person to have a great day and the game can be taken away from you within a couple of overs,” Latham said. 
“It’s about trying to put ourselves in situations where we can make those game-changing moments when those opportunities present themselves.”