![New Zealand Predicted Playing XI vs Bangladesh [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1776849731427_NewZealandplayingXIvsBangladesh3rdODI2026.jpg?type=hq)
New Zealand Predicted Playing XI vs Bangladesh [Source: AFP]
Bangladesh will host New Zealand in the third and final ODI on Thursday, April 23. The match will be held at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram at 10:30 AM IST.
The host team made a comeback in the second ODI after losing the first game by 26 runs. Nahid Raha stood out with a five-wicket-haul while Tanzid Tamim and Najmul Shanto scored a half-century each.
For the third ODI, Bangladesh have added Tanzim Hasan Shakib into the squad as a back-up pacer. Mustafizur Rahman is still nursing his left leg injury and may be unavailable for the third ODI as well.
That being said, for New Zealand, the stakes are high. The batting department failed in the last game, but they still have loads of firepower to flip the script in the series finale.
On that note, let’s see how New Zealand’s playing XI for the third ODI against Bangladesh could shape up.
New Zealand Playing XI vs Bangladesh, 3rd ODI, 2026
Top Order - Henry Nicholls, Nick Kelly, Will Young
Henry Nichollas and Nick Kelly are likely to open in the New Zealand Playing XI vs Bangladesh. In the last game, Kelly scored 83 off 102 runs and was, in fact, the highest run scorer of the ODI series.
Will Young will likely play at no. 3. He had an off-day in the last game. But his talent and potential cannot be ignored.
Also Read - Nahid Rana Refusing To Go Back To PSL? Babar Azam's Peshawar Zalmi Get Shocking Setback
On a batting-friendly Chattogram pitch, this top order will be expected to maximise the powerplay and build a solid platform, something they struggled with in Dhaka.
Middle Order - Tom Latham, Muhammad Abbas, Dean Foxcroft, Josh Clarkson
Captain Tom Latham will hold the key in the middle order of the New Zealand Playing XI vs Bangladesh. He hasn’t made an impact in the series so far. But New Zealand need him now more than ever to step up and seal the series.
Muhammad Abbas’ inexperience is showing. But the Kiwis are likely to back him for this contest. Dean Foxcroft has shown potential but must convert good starts into big scores.
Josh Clarkson will also continue to play as a finisher. He hasn't fired up in this series as well. But the time is now to prove his worth.
Bowlers - Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will O'Rourke, Jayden Lennox
In the bowling department, New Zealand are likely to rely on a pace-heavy attack with Will O'Rourke, Blair Tickner, and Nathan Smith.
These bowlers will look to exploit early movement with the new ball. However, the challenge is that Chattogram tends to flatten out, making it harder for pacers later in the innings. Still, New Zealand will count on this trio to make a difference with the ball.
Spin responsibility mainly falls on Jayden Lennox as he has picked 3 wickets in the series so far. But he may not get much assistance from the surface.
That’s why there’s a possibility of including Adithya Ashok as an additional spin option to strengthen control during the middle overs.
Overall, the New Zealand Playing XI vs Bangladesh looks like a balanced lineup. If their batters click, they can put up a big total. But if the top order fails, the inexperience in the middle could once again be exposed.
New Zealand Playing XI vs Bangladesh- Henry Nicholls, Nick Kelly, Will Young, Tom Latham (c) (wk), Muhammad Abbas, Dean Foxcroft, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Jayden Lennox, Will O'Rourke
Also Read - ICC Punishes Bangladesh For Non-Compliance
.jpg?type=mq "Ripon Mondol Asks For Criticism")
