The Blackcaps have achieved unprecedented success on the international cricketing stage in recent years, but expectations are tempered for their upcoming Twenty20 international series against Bangladesh.
On Wednesday, the new-look Blackcaps will play the first of five matches in Dhaka, drawing on a squad devoid of any players expected to feature at the T20 world cup later this year due to NZ Cricket's player welfare protocols.
They'll be up against a red-hot Bangladesh side riding a wave of momentum from an emphatic 4-1 series win against a near full-strength Australia last month.
While captain Tom Latham clarifies series victory is - obviously - the Blackcaps' goal, he remains realistic about their prospects.
"For us, it's just about trying to play to a blueprint that we believe can be successful over here in these conditions and that's what we can judge ourselves on," he says.
"Results aside, if we can keep improving in these conditions and getting more experience then that's great."
The Blackcaps squad features three potential debutants - all-rounders Cole McConchie and Rachin Ravindra and quick Ben Sears - and is overseen by stand-in head coach Glenn Pocknall.
But there's also the welcome veteran presence of the likes of Colin de Grandhomme and Henry Nicholls, adding a much needed dose of experience against the hosts, who have proven formidable in home conditions.
Latham - who hasn't played a T20 at any level since January 2019 - believes the series presents an ideal chance for those on the fringes to state their case for long-term selection.
"The way the world is at the moment and what NZ Cricket is doing in terms of player welfare has presented opportunities for other guys, and it's certainly presented an opportunity for myself, so I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in," says Latham, who will don the wicketkeeping gloves throughout the series.
"We know things aren't going to be easy over here, looking at the Australian series. We know it's going to be a challenge but that provides a great opportunity for all of us involved."
The squad will be eager to welcome young master blaster Finn Allen back into the fold, who has been out of action after contracting COVID-19. He'll be cleared to rejoin the team if he returns a second negative test on Wednesday and could be available for the second match of the series on Friday.
Meanwhile, signs are encouraging that the tour to Pakistan will proceed as planned, despite the unrest north of the border with Afghanistan.
After the pre-tour security check by independent security consultant Reg Dickason, it's understood NZC is poised to give the team the green light for the Blackcaps' first visit in 18 years.
"Someone like Reg, he's been around a long time, and he's worked with New Zealand Cricket for a long time," says Latham.
"We here have full trust in what he does for New Zealand Cricket and the processes and regulations that they put in place.
"Our focus at this stage is on Bangladesh, but our focus will turn to Pakistan once this series is done."
Blackcaps squad: Tom Latham (captain), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell, Colin de Grandhomme, Cole McConchie, Doug Bracewell, Scott Kuggeleijn, Ajaz Patel, Jacob Duffy, Blair Tickner, Hamish Bennett, Ben Sears, Matt Henry
Join us from 10pm, Wednesday for live updates of the T20 clash between the Blackcaps and Bangladesh
