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

New Zealand Predicted Playing XI vs Bangladesh, 1st ODI. Credits - AFP

In the busy summer of IPL 2026 and PSL 2026, New Zealand have taken time out to fly to Bangladesh to play a white-ball series. The tour will begin with the ODI leg, with the two teams at loggerheads for the 1st ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, on Friday.

As most of the Blackcaps are busy in the IPL and the PSL, New Zealand will field a second-string side under Tom Latham's captaincy. The majority of the players who played against South Africa have been selected for the ODIs and T20Is vs Bangladesh. 

Along with Latham, Will Young and Henry Nicholls are the heavyweights in the Kiwi batting. Meanwhile, William O'Rourke, Ben Sears and Blair Tickner are among the quicks. Muhammad Abbas and Adithya Ashok have been included on the back of a brilliant run against Sri Lanka A.

Ahead of the key BAN vs NZ 1st ODI, let us look at how the New Zealand Playing XI vs Bangladesh could pan out. 

New Zealand Playing XI vs Bangladesh, 1st ODI, 2026

Top Order: Will Young, Dane Cleaver, Henry Nicholls

The ever-reliable Will Young will take the top position as an opener in the New Zealand Playing XI vs Bangladesh. The top order batter already has played three ODIs in Bangladesh, where he averages 42.66. 

He will showcase his experience playing in a rather inexperienced New Zealand Playing XI vs Bangladesh. 

Young will be accompanied by the aggressive Dane Cleaver. Although the right-handed batter has only played an ODI, he is entrusted by the New Zealand team management to take over the opening role in absence of Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway. 

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Henry Nicholls is a talented batter, who usually warms the bench given the talent the Blackcaps have in among top order batters. Against Bangladesh in Bangladesh, the left-handed batter will get his due opportunities to demonstrate his true self. Moreover, the Test specialist also has played three ODIs in Bangladesh. 

Middle Order & All-Rounders: Nick Kelly, Tom Latham, Muhammad Abbas, Dean Foxcroft

Nick Kelly has been in New Zealand's scheme of things for quite some time now. The 32-year-old was in impeccable form during the recently concluded Plunket Shield. Moreover, his left-arm spin bowling can also come in handy in Mirpur.  

Not just the captain, but Tom Latham, the batter, will be the most important cog of the New Zealand Playing XI vs Bangladesh. With 163 ODIs under his belt, the New Zealand Test captain certainly has a point to prove, given his topsy-turvy international form in recent times. 

Muhammad Abbas had hit a stupendous century in the final unofficial ODI against Sri Lanka A. Given his recent exploits, he was added to the ODI squad and will surely be a starter. Moreover, he can bring a vital asset with his left-arm seam. 

Dean Foxcroft might have to bat out of his desired position in the New Zealand Playing XI vs Bangladesh, but he will be a fruitful addition in the lower middle order. Plus, he can give 5-6 overs of off-break bowling. 

Bowlers: Nathan Smith, Adithya Ashok, William O'Rourke, Jayden Lennox

Nathan Smith has been a constant part of New Zealand's squads in recent times. The fast-bowling all-rounder will be a lethal new-ball bowler in the New Zealand Playing XI, and he can be a vital batter down the order. 

Adithya Ashok and Jayden Lennox will be the two spin options in the New Zealand Playing XI vs Bangladesh. Ashok will be used as the specialist wicket-taker, while Lennox- who was vital during the ODI series win over India- will dry up runs from the other end. 

Lastly, considering the limited help for seamers, William O'Rourke will be the only out-and-out quick in the New Zealand Playing XI vs Bangladesh. The speedster has been a key bowler for the Blackcaps across all formats. 

New Zealand Playing XI vs Bangladesh: Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Dane Cleaver, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham (c & wk), Muhammad Abbas, Nathan Smith, Adithya Ashok, William O'Rourke, Jayden Lennox

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