BAN vs NZ 2026, BAN vs NZ 1st T20I Match Preview
Big image – Bangladesh again in T20Is after 146 days
The first T20I in Chattogram on Monday could have an fascinating mixture of unknowns.
Bangladesh performed 30 T20s from May to December final yr as build-up to the marquee match. They beat Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan within the 5 bilateral sequence they gained in that interval. They acquired right into a six-hitting behavior for the primary time of their historical past, whereas the tempo assault was firing on all cylinders. All of this added as much as nothing when Bangladesh’s interim authorities stopped the staff from taking part in within the World Cup in India (and Sri Lanka).
Parvez Hossain is coming back from an damage, whereas Towhid Hridoy had query marks round his strategy within the third ODI, which Bangladesh gained to take the sequence. Shamim Hossain final performed aggressive cricket two months in the past, so he might be rusty.
Form information
Bangladesh WWLLL (final 5 matches, most up-to-date first)
New Zealand LLWWL
In the highlight – Litton Das and Dean Foxcroft
Litton Das’76 within the third ODI on Thursday was his first within the format in two-and-a-half years. He had led Bangladesh’s build-up for the T20 World Cup and can now must do it once more with an eye fixed on 2028, however the good batting kind will turn out to be useful for a aspect that wants each fast run it may well get.
Dean Foxcroft seven struck sixes in his 75 within the third ODI. Although New Zealand have been nowhere close to profitable that sport, Foxcroft’s big-hitting has cemented his place within the XI for the primary T20I. His familiarity with the Chattogram situations needs to be helpful for any position he will get within the center order, which is the place he’s more likely to play though he has additionally opened within the Super Smash previously season.
Team information
Bangladesh are more likely to go for their extra skilled seamers in Tanzim, Shoriful and Saifuddin forward of rookies like Mondol and Saqlain within the first T20I.
Bangladesh (possible): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Saif Hassan, 3 Litton Das (capt, wk), 4 Parvez Hossain, 5 Towhid Hridoy, 6 Shamim Hossain, 7 Mahedi Hasan, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Mohammad Saifuddin, 10 Tanzim Hasan, 11 Shoriful Islam
There is not any saying what XI New Zealand provide you with, however you’ll count on the extra skilled gamers to get a go first up.
New Zealand (possible): 1 Tom Latham (capt, wk), 2 Katene Clarke, 3 Dane Cleaver, 4 Nick Kelly, 5 Bevon Jacobs, 6 Dean Foxcroft, 7 Josh Clarkson, 8 Nathan Smith, 9 Jayden Lennox, 10 Ish Sodhi, 11 Ben Lister/Matt Fisher
Pitch and situations: Bat first, bat huge
The common rating batting first in day T20Is in Chattogram is 163. Since the beginning of 2025, three matches every have been gained by the edges batting first and second on the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, whereas within the 5 day T20Is performed there over time, the staff batting first has gained 3 times. Chattogram often has a flat pitch, and there may be virtually no probability of rain.
Stats and trivia
- Bangladesh have gained 4 out of 5 day video games in Chattogram.
- The earlier bilateral T20I sequence between the 2 sides, in 2023, was drawn.
- New Zealand final performed on the Chattogram venue 12 years in the past, however they’ve by no means performed in opposition to Bangladesh right here.
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo’s Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84
