![NZ predicted XI vs BAN [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1777613312752_NewZealandXI.jpg?type=hq)
NZ predicted XI vs BAN [Source: AFP]
New Zealand will face Bangladesh in the third and final T20I of the ongoing tour of Bangladesh at the Sher-E-Bangla Stadium, Dhaka, on May 2, at 1:30 PM (IST).
Having lost the ODI series 2-1 and the T20I series opener earlier in the week, this is their only chance to salvage a series tie, courtesy of the abandoned second T20I in Chattogram. Following a toenail injury to captain Tom Latham, Nick Kelly led the team in the first T20I, which could once again be the case, given there is no further update on the injury.
As they look to level the series with a second-fiddle roster, we explore the predicted Blackcaps’ lineup for the last match of the tour.
New Zealand Playing XI vs Bangladesh- NZ tour of BAN, 2026, 3rd T20I
Top-order: Katene Clarke, Tim Robinson, Dane Cleaver (wk)
The opening pair from the series opener, Katene Clarke and Tim Robinson, will once again be seen batting inside the powerplay. Clarke scored an impressive 51 off 37 in the first match, with seven fours and a six, despite losing Tim Robinson on a golden duck and helped the team reach a formidable total of 182/6.
Dane Cleaver, who recently returned to international cricket after almost three years out, scored 51 (28) with 7 fours and a six in his 88-run stand in Chattogram.
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Middle-order and All-rounders: Nick Kelly (c), Bevon Jacobs, Dean Foxcroft, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith
With Tom Latham’s availability uncertain for the series finale, Nick Kelly is likely to continue as the captain after his 39 (27) in the first T20I. He will be supported by Bevon Jacobs in the New Zealand Playing XI vs Bangladesh, who has impressive T20 numbers in his young career, accumulating 1042 runs at a strike rate of 145.73.
The three all-rounders in the New Zealand Playing XI vs Bangladesh will be Dean Foxcroft, Josh Clarkson and Nathan Smith. Dean Foxcoft showed his ability with the bat in the ODI series, scoring two fifties and picking up two wickets with his off-break bowling. Josh Clarkson is the batting allrounder who can be used as a floater, following his 27* (14). He can chip in with his medium pace bowling as well.
Nathan Smith, who will predominantly operate as the new ball bowler, will end the batting line-up, with the ability to score a few runs late in the innings. He got a 1/33 in the first T20I as well.
Bowlers: Ish Sodhi, Ben Lister, Ben Sears
Ish Sodhi, who equalled Tim Southee’s T20I wicket tally as New Zealand’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is, will lead the spin-attack on what could be a helpful wicket for the slower bowlers. He picked 2/40 (4) in that match to equal Southee’s 164 scalps.
Ben Lister is likely to continue as the first change pacer over Matthew Fisher in the final T20I after a miserly spell of 0/23 (4), contrary to Fisher’s 0/53 (4). Ben Sears, who finished his PSL 2026 duties with the Rawalpindiz has joined the Blackcaps in Bangladesh and is likely to slot right back into the XI, having gotten enough break between the games.
Ben Sears will add 27-T20I experience to the New Zealand Playing XI vs Bangladesh, after impressing with his 31 scalps so far at an economy rate of just over 8 runs per over.
New Zealand Playing XI vs Bangladesh, 3rd T20I- Katene Clarke, Tim Robinson, Dane Cleaver (wk), Nick Kelly (c), Bevon Jacobs, Dean Foxcroft, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Ben Lister, Ben Sears.
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