The three-match ODI series between Bangladesh national cricket team and New Zealand national cricket team has begun, with the opening fixture taking place at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.
New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss and chose to bat first on what appeared to be a dry surface. Bangladesh skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz, however, said he was happy to bowl, backing his side’s balanced attack of three seamers and two spinners.
Bangladesh fielded a strong XI with a varied bowling unit, while New Zealand also opted for a pace-heavy attack complemented by all-round options.
Miraz expressed confidence in Bangladesh’s bowling strength, particularly the pace unit, which impressed in the recent series against Pakistan.
“I would have liked to bowl first as well. It’s a new wicket, and our bowlers are in good form, especially the pacers. With three seamers and two spinners, we have a very strong attack,” he said.
“Mirpur can behave differently at times, but it looks like a good surface. If we bowl well, we’ll be in a strong position.”
Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman felt slight discomfort in his right knee during the pre-match warm-up and was ruled out of today’s playing XI at the last moment. Shoriful Islam was drafted in as his replacement. Here is the voice note from Team Operations Manager Nafees Iqbal explaining the late change.
Latham, meanwhile, believed batting first was the right call given the conditions.
“We’re going to have a bat. It looks like a good, dry surface and might slow down later in the game,” he said.
“This tour is a great opportunity for the squad. Many players are gaining valuable experience, and it helps build depth in New Zealand cricket.”
Bangladesh currently sit ninth in the ICC ODI rankings, while New Zealand are placed second.
The two sides have met 46 times in ODIs, with New Zealand winning 34 matches compared to Bangladesh’s 11, while one game ended without a result.
In Bangladesh, the rivalry has been more competitive. Of the 16 ODIs played, Bangladesh have won eight and New Zealand seven, with one no-result.
The first two matches of the series are being held in Mirpur, with the final ODI scheduled to take place in Chattogram.
Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Saif Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Kumar Das, Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.
New Zealand: Henry Nicholls, Nick Kelly, Will Young, Tom Latham (captain), Mohammad Abbas, Dean Foxcroft, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Jayden Lennox, Will O’Rourke.
