DHAKA, Feb 10, 2024 (BSS)-On his first match in the Bangladesh Premier League 
(BPL) New Zealand all rounder James Neesham showed no rust as he came up with 
stellar all-round performance to help Rangpur Riders crush Chattogram 
Challenger by 53 runs at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

Neesham who landed in Dhaka yesterday from New Zealand hardly got time to 
take rest and prepare him for the match but there was no sign of exhaustion 
in his performance. He blasted 26 ball-51 not which guided the side to a 
daunting 211-3 and then took 2-32 in four bowlers with his bowling. His 
performance earned him the match of the match award on his first BPL match.

Neesham, however, said with cricket evolving with more travelling and going 
from place to place, he adapted his body and mind in that way, something 
which is instrumental for him in making instant impact in the match.

"I think, first of all, it's nothing new. In the last few years, cricket has 
evolved with more travel, going from place to place, and winning tournaments. 
So, it's certainly something I've done in the past and not something we're 
unfamiliar with," Neesham said.

"It's just about drawing on your past experiences of playing in the 
conditions you turn up to, and potentially giving yourself five or 10 balls 
to get used to the wicket instead of trying to hit boundaries from the 
start."

Neesham heaped praise on the top order batters, stating that their solid 
start took the pressure off him and eased his workload.

"A bit of a whirlwind (journey), got in yesterday morning and met the guys at 
training and looks like we've got a pretty quality team and we are at top of 
the table before I arrived, so a bit of pressure to keep that momentum going, 
but very happy with how the game went today. I thought the way the guys at 
the top of the order set the tone on what was actually a reasonably difficult 
wicket was incredible and makes it easy to come out at number six when you've 
got a lot of momentum already in the innings. And managed to just finish it 
off, which is pretty pleasing," he added.

Neesham also put emphasize on personal preparation. He said a player should 
prepare him according to his own style rather than depending on the 
supporting staff when he will play the franchise cricket.

"It's pretty typical anywhere around the world. You have your scouting 
meetings, get videos of the opposition bowlers and batters, and to be honest, 
it's more personal responsibility to be professional, do your preparation, 
and know what's coming," he said.

"It's not up to the coach, vice-coach, or captain to tell me how to prepare 
for a game. It's about personal responsibility. We have all the technology at 
our fingertips these days to analyze teams, and while there are some players 
you're familiar with and some you're not, it's about playing your own game, 
trusting yourself, and today that worked," he added.