In a move that underscores stability, Bangladesh’s cricket chiefs have stuck with the same 15-player unit that stunned Pakistan for the first two ODIs against New Zealand. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) made the announcement Saturday, with Habibul Bashar’s selection committee showing faith in the squad’s recent heroics.
This is the group that clinched a memorable 2-1 ODI series victory over Pakistan just weeks ago, marking a high point in Bangladesh’s white-ball campaign. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz leads the charge, supported by a mix of veterans and emerging talents ready to tackle the Black Caps.
Dhaka hosts the first two clashes on April 17 and 20 at Mirpur’s iconic venue, with Chattogram wrapping up the three-match affair on April 23. While Litton Das behind the stumps and pacers Taskin and Shoriful bring experience, young guns Rishad and Nahid add flair and unpredictability.
Concerns linger over the batting form of Saif Hasan and Afif Hossain, both under pressure to deliver against quality pace and spin. Meanwhile, PSL commitments mean five squad members are en route back, expected by Monday.
New Zealand, ranked No. 2 globally, arrives on the back of a series triumph over India but without IPL-bound stars, potentially leveling the playing field. Bangladesh, ninth in rankings, seeks to leverage home advantage and recent success.
Squad list: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hasan, Tanjid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das (keeper), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.
The series promises high drama, with Bangladesh eyeing another upset.
