ST PETER’S, April 3: Heavy defeats against two of the strongest World Cup contenders have left Bangladesh demoralised and confused whether to go for runs or preserve wickets early on.

Bangladesh were handed a nine-wicket defeat by New Zealand on Monday after skipper Stephen Fleming smashed 102 not out to win in the 30th over.

New Zealand dismissed Bangladesh for 174 after their young batsmen first plodded on a good pitch and then played reckless shots in a bid to score quick runs.

On Saturday, champions Australia romped to victory by 10 wickets after Bangladesh top-order batsmen were out trying to play too many shots early in a rain-hit match.

“I hope we don't repeat these mistakes match after match,” Bangladesh skipper Habibul Bashar told reporters.

Bangladesh openers Javed Omar and Tamim Iqbal put on 55 together but were too slow and consumed 16 overs. The team were then perfect candidates for a late-order collapse triggered by strike bowler Shane Bond coming on for his second spell. Scott Styris took four wickets, Jacob Oram three and Bond two in one over.

“The team plan was not to lose too many early wickets,” Habibul said. “But we became too careful. The wicket was very good. If one of the top four batsmen can bat until the 40 or 45 overs then we will do better.”

Coach Dav Whatmore told his batsmen after the Australia defeat that they should not throw their wickets away.

“We need to do something in between,” Habibul said. “It has been either too much attacking or too much blocking.”—Reuters