[CRK]

Bangladesh’s Opportunity to Dominate the Kiwis

The first ODI in Dhaka presents a golden opportunity for Bangladesh to assert their dominance. New Zealand arrives in the capital with a squad that can be described as one of their most inexperienced in recent history. With many of their first-choice stars currently engaged in the IPL or PSL, the visitors are missing eight players who featured in the New Zealand XI during their third ODI against India back in January.

New Zealand coach Rob Walter views this tour as a strategic experiment, using it as a platform to expose fringe players to the pressures of international cricket. Names like Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Blair Tickner, and Dean Foxcroft are stepping into the spotlight. Additionally, left-arm finger spinner Jayden Lennox, who left a strong impression during his debut series in India, is expected to play a pivotal role in the challenging conditions of Bangladesh.

While Tom Latham, Will Young, and Henry Nicholls provide the necessary experience, the core of the side is vastly different. In contrast, Bangladesh enjoys several advantages beyond just playing on home soil. Fresh off a hard-fought 2-1 series victory over Pakistan last month, the Tigers are riding a wave of momentum. Opener Tanzid Hasan has been in stellar form with the bat, while the bowling attack, led by the match-winning contributions of Nahid Rana and Taskin Ahmed, looks potent.

Addressing the Middle-Order Puzzle

Despite the positives, Bangladesh is not without its challenges. The middle order remains a point of contention, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Afif Hossain still lacking clear role definitions. Furthermore, batters like Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, and Najmul Hossain Shanto are under pressure to deliver substantial scores to stabilize the lineup.

However, the bowling unit provides Bangladesh with a significant edge. The trio of Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, and Mustafizur Rahman offers a lethal pace attack, complemented by the variety and effectiveness of Rishad Hossain’s wrist-spin. The primary question remains: how will this inexperienced New Zealand side handle the combination of relentless pace, spin, and the oppressive Dhaka heat on Friday?

Form Guide and Key Battles

Bangladesh: WLWWL (Most recent first)
New Zealand: WWLWW

In the Spotlight: Najmul Hossain Shanto vs. Tom Latham

The clash between Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tom Latham will be one of the most intriguing aspects of the match. Shanto, once a cornerstone of the Tigers’ batting, is looking to rediscover his form. After a phenomenal 2023 where he was the highest run-getter for Bangladesh in 17 years, and a strong start to 2024, he has struggled significantly since the start of 2025, managing only a single half-century and scoring just 54 runs in three innings against Pakistan.

As a long-term leader for the national team, the onus is on Shanto to break this slump and reclaim his authority at the crease.

On the other side, captain Tom Latham is seeking his own revival. After an indifferent period in ODIs, where he hasn’t reached a half-century since the Champions Trophy, Latham is leading an inexperienced squad. While his top score in his last nine innings has been an unbeaten 39, he hopes to use this tour as an opportunity to regain his rhythm and leadership form.

Team News and Probable XIs

Bangladesh is expected to field the same winning combination that secured the series win over Pakistan. This means Mahidul Islam, Shoriful Islam, and Tanvir Islam are likely to miss out.

Bangladesh (Probable): Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman.

New Zealand will undergo a massive overhaul, making at least eight changes to their previous ODI lineup. If Tom Latham continues to keep wicket, the visitors may opt for three seam-bowling all-rounders in Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, and Muhammad Abbas.

New Zealand (Probable): Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Nick Kelly, Dean Foxcroft, Tom Latham (capt & wk), Muhammad Abbas, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will O’Rourke, Jayden Lennox.

Pitch and Weather Conditions

There is significant speculation regarding the pitch at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. The big question is whether the home side will prepare a surface that is faster and bouncier, similar to the Pakistan series in March, or return to the traditional slow-and-low nature of Dhaka pitches. With an 11:00 AM start and a looming heatwave, the surface is expected to to dry quickly, potentially favoring the spinners. Additionally, a thunderstorm is forecast for Friday, which could add an element of unpredictability to the match.

Stats and Trivia

• New Zealand has not won the first match of an ODI series in Bangladesh since 2004.
• Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz is just 209 runs away from becoming only the second Bangladeshi cricketer to achieve the double of 2,000 runs and 100 wickets in ODIs.
• Following his recent retirement from international cricket, Rubel Hossain remains the only bowler to take a hat-trick in ODIs between these two nations.