Bangladesh ODI Squad Vs New Zealand Announced; Mustafizur Rahman's PSL Journey Halted

Bangladesh team picked for NZ ODIs [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, the BCB announced Bangladesh's 15-member squad for the first two matches of the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. Led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Bangladesh will cross swords against New Zealand in three ODIs on home soil between April 17 and 23. 

Ace speedster Mustafizur Rahman has been included in the team, as the BCB confirms the Bangladesh squad for the first two ODIs of the series. As revealed by ESPNCricinfo, Mustafizur will link-up with the Bangladesh squad on April 11 for the ODI series. 

He will return to Pakistan for the PSL 2026 after the third ODI, which is scheduled on April 23. Therefore, Mustafizur Rahman is set to miss four PSL 2026 matches for Lahore Qalandars. 

Bangladesh keep their core group unchanged for New Zealand ODIs

Under Mehidy Hasan Miraz's leadership, Bangladesh recently enjoyed stellar success, securing a historic series win over Pakistan on home soil. The Tigers won two out of three games, thereby kickstarting their preparations for the 2027 World Cup on a high note. 

Therefore, the BCB selection committee has kept the core group intact in the Bangladesh ODI squad vs New Zealand. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, whose captaincy tenure was recently extended, will lead the home team against the BlackCaps. 

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The experienced trio of Soumya Sarkar, Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto form the backbone of the Tigers' batting lineup. The destructive duo of Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan Tamim will spearhead Bangladesh's top-order in the home series. 

In-form Nahid Rana to lead Bangladesh bowling attack

The presence of Nahid Rana in the Bangladesh ODI squad vs New Zealand strengthens the Tigers' bowling attack. Hailed for his ability to make the white-ball talk at a searing pace, Nahid Rana consistently troubled the Pakistani batters, scalping eight wickets in just three matches.

Therefore, he could be a genuine threat to the New Zealand batting unit, with the likes of Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam set to assist him. Meanwhile, Rishad Hossain is expected to emerge as the Tigers' go-to bowler in the middle overs. 

Bangladesh Squad for first 2 ODIs vs New Zealand

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das (wk), Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana

Bangladesh Vs New Zealand schedule 2026

Led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Bangladesh will cross swords against New Zealand in six white-ball matches, including three ODIs and as many T20Is. The ODI series kicks off on April 17 at the iconic Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka. 

While the historic venue in Dhaka will host the first two ODIs and the final T20I, the remaining matches will be played at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram. 

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