Photo: Collected

DHAKA, April 15, 2026 (BSS)- New Zealand head coach Rob Walter has 
acknowledged that his side will face a stern test in coping with the heat and 
conditions in Bangladesh during the upcoming series, especially after match 
timings were changed in line with the Bangladesh government's energy 
conservation measures.

"Obviously it is different, but we expected that coming here," Walter told 
reporters. 

"A couple of days before the first game is probably not enough to fully get 
used to it (heat). There's not a hell of a lot you can do in that time. At 
the end of the day, it is what it is."

Despite the challenge, Walter insisted that his team must adapt quickly if 
they are to achieve their goal of winning the series.

"As a professional team, we have to overcome these challenges. We just need 
to be ready to deal with the heat and it's one of the factors we must 
handle," he said.

Walter also pointed out that the absence of dew due to the day time game 
could influence how matches unfold, potentially making it a more balanced 
contest between bat and ball while also allowing pitches to slow down under 
prolonged exposure to heat.

"You don't have the dew factor to consider, which could make it a fairer 
contest. The pitch might slow up as the day goes on in these conditions," he 
added.
 
Beyond the weather, Walter identified Bangladesh national cricket team as a 
formidable opponent, highlighting their well-rounded bowling attack as a key 
concern for the visitors.

"I think Bangladesh have some wonderful seam bowlers and they've covered all 
bases. We saw in the series against the West Indies how conditions can vary 
between spin and seam, and they've been excellent," he said.

Walter emphasized that New Zealand's approach will depend on reading the 
conditions during play.

"Whatever the conditions tell us, we'll respond accordingly. Hopefully, that 
will be the difference between winning and losing," he added.