New Zealand will have to be on top of their game to avoid an upset this month against Bangladesh, skipper Daniel Vettori said on Sunday. New Zealand will play three one-day internationals from October 9-14, before the first of two tests starts on October 17.
"We have come here expecting to win," Vettori said at a news conference. "We are not underestimating Bangladesh, we know how good they can be. If we are not on top of our game we can get upset and that's the thing we are trying to avoid."
Bangladesh have won only one of their previous 53 tests (47 defeats) since making their debut in 2000. The two teams last met in New Zealand in December-January, where the hosts won all three ODIs and two tests. New Zealand have yet to taste defeat to Bangladesh in 11 ODIs and six tests.
Vettori said Bangladesh would enjoy home advantage and that New Zealand had to beware their formidable bowling attack. "Look at their bowling attack; they have (Shahadat) Hossain, (Mashrafe) Mortaza and (Abdur) Razzak," he added.
"They are going to be formidable opposition for us." Bangladesh have recently lost 14 leading cricketers, who joined an unofficial league and were banned for 10 years.