BAN vs NZ: Bangladesh playing XI vs New Zealand, 1st ODI, 2023 - Predicted

Bangladesh will face New Zealand in the first of three ODIs on September 21 at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka.

Bangladesh didn't have a great performance in Asia Cup 2023; they couldn't qualify for the finals of the tournament. But Bangladesh registered a good win over Asia Cup champions India in theeir last match of the super four. That will surely give them confidence going forward into the next series.

New Zealand will tour Bangladesh for three ODIs just ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. The tour will start with the first ODI on September 21. This game will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka, and will start at 1:30 p.m. IST. Bangladesh have added some experienced names to the squad. Here we will talk about the predicted playing XI for Bangladesh in the first ODI.

BAN vs NZ: Bangladesh's Predicted playing XI vs New Zealand

1. Litton Das (c):

Wicket-keeper star Litton Das will be leading the hosts in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan. Das has been the best batter for Bangladesh in the last few months, but he couldn't do well in Asia Cup 2023. However, the added responsibility of captaincy will help him perform better. He is a dangerous customer up the order.

2. Tamim Iqbal :

After missing out on Asia Cup 2023 due to injury, veteran opener Tamim Iqbal is back in the squad. He will be a key player for the team in the coming World Cup in India and needs some game time. Tamim will look to make an impact and gain confidence ahead of the mega event. And it is a great chance for him to perform against the star-studded Kiwi bowling line-up.

3. Soumya Sarkar :

Soumya Sarkar played his last ODI in March 2021 against New Zealand, and since then, he hasn't played an ODI. But he is back after some good work at the domestic level. He is a quality all-rounder who bats at the top order and bowls at a useful medium pace. Sarkar has played 12 ODIs against New Zealand and scored 226 runs.

4. Towhid Hridoy :

The 22-years-old Towhid Hridoy showed great form for his team in the Asia Cup 2023. He scored consecutive half-centuries against Pakistan and India in the last two games. His current form is pretty good, and Bangladesh will want him to continue. He hasn't played against New Zealand yet, but he is a skilled batter against spin and pace.

5. Mahmudullah :

After getting dropped from the team, former skipper Mahmudullah is back again. He will be playing his first game since March 2023. Mahmudullah has been a key player for his team over the years, but his poor form didn't help him. Against New Zealand, he has scored 676 runs and taken 8 wickets in 26 games, and his return will add experience to the team.

6. Nurul Hasan :

Nurul Hasan will be a key player in the absence of Musfiqur Rahim. He will be the finisher on the team, and he has also been making his comeback since July 2022. Nurul is an attacking batter who has all the skillset of a finisher. He has played two games against New Zealand and scored 68 runs so far.

7. Mahedi Hasan :

Mahedi Hasan had a great game against India in Asia Cup 2023. He scored 29 not out from 23 balls and also took two wickets with the ball. He will again be at work. Hasan is a quality spinner, and the pitch in Dhaka will help him for sure. He is also a good hitter lower down the order, and playing against New Zealand will be great exposure for him.

8. Nasum Ahmed :

Nasum Ahmed has impressed everyone in his initial ODI career. He played an important innings of 44 runs against India in Asia Cup 2023 that made a big difference. He is a quality all-rounder who can spin the opposition in his web. Nasum has taken 8 wickets in 8 games at an economy rate of 3.83.

9. Tanzim Hasan Sakib :

Tanzim Hasan Sakib made his ODI debut in the last game of Asia Cup 2023 against India. And how well he performed against the star-studded team. He dismissed Rohit Sharma for a two-ball duck in his first international over. Then he also dismissed Tilak Varma and ended up with 2/32 in 7.1 overs. He can be the surprise package against New Zealand.

10. Mustafizur Rahman :

Mustafizur Rahman will be the most experienced bowler for the hosts and will hold a key in the ODI series. The left-arm pacer has been a consistent performer for his team and knows how to deal with pressure situations. Rahman has played 12 matches against New Zealand and taken 15 wickets so far, and he will look to take some early wickets.

11. Khaled Ahmed :

Khaled Ahmed is likely to make his ODI debut for Bangladesh. He has played 12 tests and taken 21 wickets. He is a nippy customer who can swing the bowl at the start and then can also bowl at a tight line in the finals overs. He will have a big task in his hands to help the other bowlers and also do well.