Mortaza counting on home memories

Bangladesh limited-overs captain Mashrafe Mortaza  says his team is hoping to capitalise on their impressive performances at home during their coming series against New Zealand.

In their first overseas bilateral series in more than two years, Bangladesh will play three one-day internationals, three  Twenty20 internationals and two Tests from December 26 to January 24.  

Bangladesh will hold a two-week conditioning camp in Sydney ahead of the tour with some of the players in the 22-member squad having already left for Australia.

Quick Single: Aussies out to continue winning habit

"Two years ago we had targeted to win 80 per cent of our matches at home and by the grace of God we have managed to achieve that target," Mortaza told reporters in Dhaka. 

"But it's a different challenge to play outside home. Even established teams find it difficult to win away from home and from that aspect, it's a bigger challenge for us.

"New Zealand conditions are different... so it's going to be difficult.

"If we can take the good home memories there and show the kind of confidence that got us wins at home I think we will get a good result"

Bangladesh have not played in a bilateral away series since their tour of West Indies in August-September 2014 when they lost all their matches.

Since then they have transformed themselves into a successful unit, winning 18 of their last 23 one-day internationals at home in addition to the recent historic Test victory against formidable England.

Quick Single: Warner outscores NZ

Their successful home run also included bilateral ODI series wins over Pakistan, India and South Africa and a runners-up trophy in Asia Cup Twenty20 tournament.

They also reached the World Cup quarter-final in Australia and New Zealand at the expense of England in 2015.

Bangladesh had held a similar conditioning camp in Australia before the World Cup and Mortaza hoped it would bring some positive results during the New Zealand series as well.

"The 15-day camp we had in Australia before the World Cup in 2015 helped us a lot," he said.

"It would have been better if we had the camp in New Zealand. But as far as I am concerned that could not be arranged. But this is still a good initiative.

Quick Single: Khawaja has Finch under pressure

"We are at least going to a place which is close to New Zealand," he said.

In ODIs, Bangladesh are ranked seventh to New Zealand's fourth. In Tests, Bangladesh are languishing in ninth spot behind the sixth-ranked Kiwis.

International cricket is more affordable than ever this summer, with adult tickets from $30, kids from $10 and family packages from $65 across every day of international cricket. Price for purchase at match. Transaction fee from $6.95 applies to online and other purchases. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.