Mills focused on future challenges

Kyle Mills has brushed off New Zealand’s one-day series defeat in Bangladesh, insisting the team is still on track to enjoy a good 2015 World Cup.

Sunday’s 4-wicket defeat in Fatullah gave the hosts a 3-0 sweep in the three-match series. It was Bangladesh’s seventh successive victory over the Black Caps in completed matches.

“We are trying to build a team towards the 2015 World Cup. It is in 15 months’ time and that’s the most important thing right now,” said Mills.

“The conditions in Australia and New Zealand are going to be a lot different from here. Corey Anderson and James Neesham are going to be prepared for the pressure-cooker environment in that tournament. But we have learned a lot in the past few weeks.”

The experienced fast bowler was keen to focus on New Zealand’s one-day form over the last 12 months in more familiar conditions, while giving Bangladesh their dues for the way they have performed, especially after they went into the fixture as outsiders in the cricket betting.

“We beat South Africa and England recently on their shores. Bangladesh are a good cricket side in their own conditions,” added Mills.

While the series is already gone, the one-off T20 at Mirpur is an important one for a New Zealand side desperate to take something away from the tour.  Mills echoed the thoughts of people who bet on cricket by expressing his confidence in the Black Caps:

“I think we can [win the match]. We were not too far in the first game but Rubel (Hossain) got three wickets from three balls. It was obviously disappointing tonight,” he said.

“It is a tough challenge here to play in these conditions. We want to end tour on a high. Everyone will be up no doubt.”