[CRK]
In-Experienced Bangladesh face Novice NZ in Hot Dhaka: A Thrilling ODI Contest Ahead
Get ready for an electrifying start to the ODI series as Bangladesh faces off against New Zealand. The visitors arrive with an in-experienced side, while the hosts boast a few positives going into the match.
New Zealand’s squad, led by Tom Latham, is one of their most inexperienced in recent times. The absence of key players, who are away at the IPL or PSL, has forced coach Rob Walter to give fringe players like Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Blair Tickner, and Dean Foxcroft a chance to shine. Meanwhile, left-arm fingerspinner Jayden Lennox is expected to play a bigger role in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, have been boosted by their recent 2-1 win over Pakistan, with opener Tanzid Hasan and bowlers Taskin, Rana, and Mustafizur Rahman making key contributions. However, the hosts still have concerns with their middle order, including Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Afif Hossain, and Najmul Hossain Shanto, who need to produce substantial scores. Litton Das, who was included in the team after impressing in the Pakistan series, will be a key player to watch.
The match, which is scheduled to start at 11am, promises to be an action-packed contest with both teams looking to make an early impact. The Shere Bangla National Stadium’s slow and low pitch could prove challenging for the visiting batsmen, and the heatwave in the offing could also play a crucial role in the match’s outcome.
With so much at stake, the ODI series between Bangladesh and New Zealand is shaping up to be an exciting contest. Will the hosts be able to make the most of their home advantage, or will the visitors’ inexperience prove to be a blessing in disguise? One thing is for sure – it’s going to be a thrilling ride for cricket fans in Dhaka!
Form guide
Bangladesh’s last five completed ODIs:
- WLWWL (most recent first)
New Zealand’s last five completed ODIs:
- WWLWW
Pitch and conditions
The Shere Bangla National Stadium’s pitch is expected to be slow and low, which could prove challenging for the visiting batsmen. The 11am start and heatwave in the offing could also play a crucial role in the match’s outcome.
In the spotlight: Najmul Hossain Shanto & Tom Latham
Najmul Hossain Shanto will be expected to address his recent slide in ODI form, having made just one half-century since 2025. Bangladesh sees him as a long-term leader, and it’s on him to step up.
Tom Latham, on the other hand, has a chance to regain his form after an indifferent period. He hasn’t reached a half-century since the Champions Trophy, but now returns as captain of a new-look side.
Team news: NZ set to ring in the changes
Bangladesh could field the same XI that beat Pakistan 2-1 in the ODI series last month, which would leave out Mahidul Islam, Shoriful Islam, and Tanvir Islam.
New Zealand will make at least eight changes since their previous ODI. If Latham keeps wicket, they might have room for three seam-bowling allrounders in Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, and Abbas.
Pitch and conditions: Early start, heatwave in the offing
The 11am start and heatwave in the offing could cause dryness in the surfaces. There is also forecast for a thunderstorm on Friday.
Stats and Trivia
- New Zealand haven’t won the first match of an ODI series in Bangladesh since 2004.
- Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz requires another 209 runs to become the second Bangladeshi cricketer to reach 2,000 runs to go with 100-plus wickets in ODIs.
- Rubel Hossain, who retired from international cricket earlier this week, is the only bowler to take a hat-trick in ODIs between Bangladesh and New Zealand.
