BAN vs NZ 2026 Prediction, 1st ODI - Who Will Win Today?

BAN vs NZ Match Predictions. [Source - AFP]

Bangladesh is all set to face New Zealand in the 1st ODI of their three-match series starting from Friday, April 17. The exciting series opener will take place at Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka and the match will be live for fans from 10:30 AM IST.

BAN vs NZ Preview

Bangladesh enters the series with confidence, coming off a 2-1 series win against Pakistan last month. With a full-strength squad and a balanced lineup, their bowling attack, led by big names like Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, will be key to a strong series performance.

New Zealand, on the other hand, arrives with a relatively inexperienced side, as many of their top players are competing in the IPL. This series offers them a chance to test their bench strength. Last time they played ODIs, they defeated India and will aim to replicate that winning form in the subcontinent.

BAN vs NZ current form (last 5 ODIs)

BAN vs NZ Player Battles

Henry Nicholls vs Mustafizur Rahman

Mustafizur Rahman will surely start in Bangladesh's playing XI and his contest with Henry Nicholls will be crucial. Nicholls averages 45 against Bangladesh, but Mustafizur has dismissed him twice in ODIs, conceding just 55 runs, making this an exciting matchup.

Will Young vs Taskin Ahmed

Will Young is another key figure in New Zealand’s top order. His battle with Taskin Ahmed will be crucial, as Young averages 45 against Bangladesh, while Taskin has dismissed him once without conceding a run.

Tanzid Hasan vs Will O’Rourke

Tanzid Hasan has been Bangladesh’s most successful ODI batter since 2025, scoring 320 runs at an average of 35.55 and a strike-rate of 104.91. Will O’Rourke will be crucial in containing or dismissing him early for New Zealand.

Also Read: New Zealand Predicted Playing XI vs Bangladesh- NZ Tour of BAN 2026, 1st ODI

BAN vs NZ Top Performers (current squad members)

Most runs for BAN vs NZ

Soumya Sarkar (399), Najmul Hossain Shanto (232)

Most wickets for BAN vs NZ

Mustafizur Rahman (23), Taskin Ahmed (9)

Most runs for NZ vs BAN

Henry Nicholls (450), Will Young (360)

Most wickets for NZ vs BAN

Will O’Rourke (7), Josh Clarkson (3)

BAN vs NZ Toss Prediction

The surface at Shere Bangla National Stadium has been fairly balanced in recent times, with pacers getting more assistance as seen in the latest series. Morning conditions should offer early moisture, providing better carry and bounce for batters upfront.

Interestingly, teams batting first have won four of the last five ODIs here, yet captains still prefer chasing. Expect the trend to continue in BAN vs NZ 2026 1st ODI, with the toss-winning side likely opting to bowl first.

BAN vs NZ 1st innings score prediction

Powerplay – 70/1

Final score – 285/7

BAN vs NZ 2nd innings score prediction

Powerplay – 55/3

Final score – 230/10

BAN vs NZ top players prediction

BAN top players' prediction

Probable best batters

Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy

Probable best bowlers

Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed

NZ top players' prediction

Probable best batters

Will Young, Henry Nicholls

Probable best bowlers

Will O'Rourke, Nathan Smith

Who will hit the most sixes in BAN vs NZ 2026 1st ODI?

Tanzid Hasan

Who will score the most fours in BAN vs NZ 2026 1st ODI?

Will Young

BAN vs NZ Match Winner Prediction: Who will win the 1st ODI?

Bangladesh enters this series as strong favorites, with a well-balanced squad across all departments. Their pace attack is firing on all cylinders, and the team is in excellent form heading into the opener.

New Zealand, though relatively inexperienced in this lineup, remains a tough competitor. Known for their consistency and focus on basics, they are always a challenge, especially in limited-overs formats. 

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