Bangladesh Retain Winning ODI Squad for New Zealand Series; PSL Players to Rejoin Soon

Bangladesh have named an unchanged 15-member squad for the opening two ODIs against New Zealand, sticking with the side that secured a 2-1 series victory over Pakistan at home last month. The matches are scheduled to be played in Dhaka on April 17 and 20, while the third ODI will take place in Chattogram on April 23.

The squad will continue to be led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, as previously announced. Despite the recent series win, there remain concerns over the form of Saif Hassan and Afif Hossain, both of whom struggled during the Pakistan series. Saif averaged 17.33, while Afif managed 19.00 across three innings each.

In a notable decision, the selectors have opted to retain the same pace attack of Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam. This marks a shift from Bangladesh’s recent approach of rotating fast bowlers frequently.

Five members of the squad—Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Rishad Hossain, and Tanzid Hasan—are currently participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026. They are expected to rejoin the national team on April 12 ahead of the ODI series. Among them, only Mustafizur Rahman is likely to return to the PSL after the conclusion of the ODI matches.

Following the ODI series, Bangladesh and New Zealand are set to face off in a three-match T20I series.

Bangladesh ODI Squad:
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das (wicketkeeper), Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.