Bangladesh have resisted the temptation to make changes, naming the same 15 who edged Pakistan 2-1 last month for the opening One-Day Internationals against New Zealand, set for 17 and 20 April in Dhaka. The third match moves to Chattogram on 23 April.
Chief selector Habibul Bashar explained the straightforward call. “We felt the group earned another opportunity,” he said after Tuesday’s meeting in Mirpur. “They handled pressure against Pakistan, so continuity makes sense with another strong opponent arriving.”
Mehidy Hasan Miraz stays on as captain. The off-spinning all-rounder impressed in the Pakistan series, yet the batting order still has concerns. Opener Saif Hassan averaged only 17.33, while middle-order left-hander Afif Hossain managed 19 across three knocks. Bashar admitted the panel discussed both players at length. “Form is a factor, but we also look at roles,” he noted. “Afif gives us a sixth-bowling option; Saif’s technique against the new ball remains valuable.”
Bangladesh have bucked their recent habit of rotating quicks, keeping the quartet of Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam and rookie seamer Nahid Rana together. Bowling coach Allan Donald endorsed the decision: “Against New Zealand you need speed and variation. This group offers both.”
Five squad members – Nahid, Mustafizur, Shoriful, leg-spinner Rishad Hossain and top-order batter Tanzid Hasan – are still involved in the Pakistan Super League. All are expected in Dhaka on 12 April, two days after the PSL final. Only Mustafizur will return to Pakistan once the ODI series concludes; the others stay on for the three T20Is beginning 26 April.
New Zealand are yet to confirm their touring party, but the visitors traditionally relish Bangladeshi conditions, having drawn a 3-match series here in 2023. Local commentator Athar Ali Khan offered a word of caution. “New Zealand adapt quickly. Bangladesh’s spinners may have the edge, yet the Black Caps’ seamers use cutters cleverly on slow pitches.”
Bangladesh squad: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das (wk), Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.
The squad gathers in full on Friday. Training begins the following morning at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, with batting against spin and death-over bowling the focus areas.
