The three-match ODI series between Bangladesh and New Zealand was scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM on April 17, 19, and 23 respectively. However, due to the war situation in the Gulf region, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has decided to conserve energy as per a government directive and has announced that all ODI matches will now start at 11:00 AM.
On Wednesday, Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons was asked whether he felt the change in start time would make any difference to preparations, as all three games will be played in natural light instead of under floodlights.
Simmons admitted that it would have some impact. “It makes a little bit of a difference. Playing in the day, wickets might grip a little bit more, it might be a little bit slower. But because the practices are at this time, we’re trying to cater to that,” he said.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter also attended a press conference before Simmons and downplayed the difference between day and night matches. While acknowledging the adjustment, he said, “I mean, there’s not much we can do in a couple of days from a preparation point of view. At the end of the day it is what it is, and totally understandable for the change to be made.”
Walter further added, “We just have to adapt to the conditions and be ready to deal with the heat. It is just one of the challenges.”
The last ODI series between Bangladesh and Pakistan was played on balanced wickets, where both batters and bowlers found assistance. Regarding how the surface might behave in the first two matches of the New Zealand series, Simmons said he had yet to assess it closely.
“I actually haven’t gone out there yet. I came straight here from the bus, so I will go out after and have a look at the pitch,” he said.
The visiting coach also admitted he did not have a detailed read on the surface. “I’ve obviously looked at the pitch from the road, not too closely today. I think tomorrow will give us more of an indication as to what it will look like on game day,” Walter said.
