Bangladesh opt to bowl first in first ODI against New Zealand

Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bowl first in the opening match of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand in Dhaka on Thursday (September 21, 2023). 

Immediately after the toss, rain interrupted play, leading groundsmen to cover the wickets. But within a few minutes, the sun came out, and the covers were removed. 

Regular Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan is absent from this series. Litton Das is leading the side in his place.

In this match, Bangladesh included Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudullah Riyad, Soumya Sarkar, and Nurul Hasan, none of whom were part of the Bangladesh team in the Asia Cup held in Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Lockie Ferguson is captaining New Zealand in this series.

This series presents an opportunity for Bangladesh to fine-tune their World Cup squad. It‍‍`s particularly significant for Mahmudullah and Soumya, who have a chance to showcase their capabilities for the upcoming World Cup.

Bangladesh XI: Litton Das, Tamim Iqbal, Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah Riyad, Towhid Hridoy, Mahedi Hasan, Nurul Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman.

New Zealand XI: Finn Allen, Will Young, Chad Bowes, Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Cole McConchie, Ish Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson, Lockie Ferguson (capt), Trent Boult.