![Bangladesh cricket team [Source: AP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1776586512899_BangladeshCricketteam(1).jpg?type=hq)
Bangladesh cricket team [Source: AP]
The Bangladesh National Cricket team are all set to host New Zealand for their second ODI clash of the three-match series after New Zealand won the first match by 26 runs by beating the hosts with a superb bowling display.
Now, the Mehidy Hasan Miraz-led side will be eager to bounce back in what could be a thrilling series decider on April 20.
The match is scheduled to take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, with the game set to go live for fans from 10:30 AM IST. With a lot at stake for Bangladesh, let’s take a look at the predicted playing XI they can field against New Zealand for the best outcome.
Bangladesh Playing XI vs New Zealand, 2nd ODI
Top Order: Saif Hassan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk)
Bangladesh's top order looked stable before the first ODI with Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan. However, the latter's performance will have the management's brows crooked. Hasan scored only two runs while facing six deliveries before he was dismissed by Nathan Smith with a peach.
Tanzid's struggle might be a warning signal for the team to rope in Soumya Sarkar, a talented veteran who was in good touch in the BPL 2025–26, averaging 26.50 and striking at 139.47. Although it is too early to let go of top performers, Soumya Sarkar's inclusion might be a possibility in place of Tanzid Hasan.
Also Read- Bangladesh Cricketer Fires Shots At Tamim Iqbal For Captain’s Card Initiative
Najmul Hossain Shanto at No. 3 was also a solid candidate. However, his golden duck will dent his credibility.
Nevertheless, Shanto is likely to be backed by the management for the upcoming clash, while Litton Das, who scored a 68-ball 46 against New Zealand in the first ODI, will come in at number four to anchor early scares like in the previous match.
Middle Order & All-Rounders: Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c)
The middle order looks stable and solid, with Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz handling the middle-over jitters. Towhid Hridoy and Afif Hossain did a good job to put up resilience against the New Zealand bowling attack as Bangladesh were down 132 for 4 inside 28 overs.
Towhid Hridoy scored a 60-ball 55, and Afif Hossain scored 47-ball 29 to put up the resistance. The duo paired up to stitch together 52 runs as wickets were tumbling earlier.
Hence, their inclusion is likely, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz being the skipper and a solid striker in the lower order, he will also be expected to help the team during crunch situations.
Bowlers: Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana
The bowling attack will be led by Taskin Ahmed as the pace spearhead alongside Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam. Although the bowling unit was under-impressive in the first ODI, the pace trio will likely continue, with Nahid Rana possibly being an exception given the fact that he was the most expensive.
With Mustafizur Rahman on the bench, the veteran might get a call-up in the playing eleven for the second ODI.
However, as far as team dynamics go, since Rahman was not included in the first ODI, it is unlikely that he will feature in the second match, and hence the pace trio will continue, with Rishad Hossain leading the spin department alongside Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Bangladesh Playing XI vs New Zealand- Saif Hassan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana
Also Read- Blessing Muzarabani Publicly Exposes Mohsin Naqvi After PSL Ban, Shares Shocking Details Of KKR Deal
