Bangladeshi plan for Mapple leaf threat

Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusinghe has said his side has chalked out plans to deal with the threat posed by New Zealand opener Brendon McCullum.
The New Zealand captain has been on fire giving the co-hosts fluent starts all through the competition.

Hathurusinghe suggested it would be difficult to dismiss the 33-year-old early.

"It's difficult because he's doing the same thing. He's playing without fear.

"...we have a few game plans, if we can execute them, they would be the key to winning this game. He's (McCullum) one of the key players we need to get out early," the Sri Lankan said at a pre-match press conference on Thursday.

McCullum's scores in the last five matches are - 65, 15, 77, 50, 42. Only Scotland were able to contain the 33-year old's onslaught, while the McCullum whirlwind hit Sri Lanka, England, Australia, and Afghanistan.

Hathurusinghe said Bangladesh play 'differently' in each match.

"That is one thing that we talked about at the start. We don't stick to the same plan. We are not afraid to rethink our game plan and our combination as well."

Spin bowling coach Ruwan Kalpage had said on Wednesday that they wanted to contain McCullum with spin.

The Tigers and the Kiwis will clash at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Friday in their last group fixture.