Cricket: New Zealand hope to take 'awesome' summer to Bangladesh

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It seems longer than four months ago that New Zealand were last in Bangladesh.

Then, both tests were drawn, the visiting side got dusted 3-0 in the ODIs but won the lone T20 international.

Now a revitalised, confident New Zealand side fly out to the sub-continent tonight for the world T20 harbouring a genuine belief that they can be serious contenders for a major title.

That's on the back of a home summer of high achievement. It has been a long while since the mood of the cricket nation has been as rosy as it has been over the past three months.

When the different conditions are considered, it may sound a stretch to talk about continuing the fine work of the West Indian and Indian visits.

Still, there are good reasons to be positive about what lies ahead at the world tournament.

"The summer was awesome and if we continue with that mentality and belief we should do really well," wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi said yesterday.

"It's never an easy place to tour but with the form we've shown over the summer we should have a good chance."

Ronchi is an example of a player who grew in stature over the season.

When it began, there were those wondering if he was the right player for the short-form team. BJ Watling has a lock on the test job so what about him doing all three roles?

Ronchi, the former Australian limited-overs international and a slick gloveman, chose a good time to make his stand.

In the two T20s against the West Indies, rollicking innings of 48 not out in 25 balls and an unbeaten 51 off 28 showed his credentials as a late innings hitter and rapid runmaker.

Important innings against the Indians in the ODI series added more to his standing. Now he feels increasingly like he belongs.

"It is a nice feeling but I still don't want to take too much for granted," he said.

"I've only been playing a short while so I want to take every opportunity. Feeling comfortable and knowing my role, that's the biggest thing and what's helped me perform."

Getting the body acclimatised to the conditions and being ready for pitches in Chittagong, where New Zealand have their three pool games, will be key factors.

New Zealand head to Abu Dhabi for a few days' preparation before going to Bangladesh. There they will develop the strategies they hope can bring a rich reward.

Auckland chase their third straight Ford Trophy one-day win when they play Northern Districts in Hamilton tomorrow.

They cleaned out ND in the first round last weekend and with only eight rounds before the playoffs, know a strong start will be crucial in their defence of the title.

In tomorrow's other games, Wellington host Otago and Canterbury play Central Districts in Christchurch.

Points: Auckland 10, CD 5, Otago 4, ND 4, Canterbury 2, Wellington 2.