Cricket: NZ wary of Bangladesh ODI blowout

McCullum, confirming he will keep wicket tonight, said he wanted more out of himself with the bat. Photo / APN

New Zealand will set out to bury bad memories of their last limited-overs series in Bangladesh when the teams square off in the first of three matches in Dhaka tonight.

The last time New Zealand played an ODI rubber there, in 2010, they were thumped 4-0.

"Obviously you want to right the wrong of what unfolded back then, but it was a very different team as well," captain Brendon McCullum said yesterday. "We know we didn't play well during that 2010 series.

"I think we're better prepared now and we have what I think is a well-rounded squad to cope with the challenges that Bangladesh throw at you and that's obviously the left-arm spin component.

"We can mitigate against that a little bit with the strong left-handed batters we've got in our squad."

The New Zealand squad includes a posse of left-handers, including opener Hamish Rutherford, newcomer Anton Devcich, and a trio of hard-hitting middle order batsmen, Colin Munro, Corey Anderson and James Neesham.

McCullum, confirming he will keep wicket tonight, said he wanted more out of himself with the bat.

"It's easier to lead when your form is strong as well and that's obviously what I'm hoping to do. I'm not happy with my run production at the moment."

McCullum was impressed with the progress of seamer Tim Southee, making his way back from ankle surgery, describing him as "working the house down" to be back in action.

New Zealand have been grouped with England, Sri Lanka, South Africa and a qualifier in group A for the world T20 tournament in Bangladesh next March-April. The White Ferns are in group A of their event with Australia, South Africa, Pakistan and Ireland.