New Zealand vs Bangladesh, 1st Test: Match Preview, Playing XI and broadcast details

Bangladesh have got the better of New Zealand quite a few times in limited-overs cricket, but when it comes to Test cricket, they haven’t posed the Kiwis much of a threat. The Tigers are yet to beat the Black Caps in the longest format, having lost 12 out of 15 matches. In New Zealand, Bangladesh have lost all of their nine Tests. Last time in 2019, the visitors lost both the Tests by a margin of an innings.

Ahead of the upcoming two-match series, Bangladesh have quite a few reasons to worry about. Their top-order looks brittle with Tamim Iqbal yet to recover following his thumb injury earlier this year. Shadman Islam and Najmul Hossain Shanto should be the designated openers with the option of T20 specialist Mohammad Naim, who has only played a total of six first-class games in his career.

Shakib Al Hasan also pulled out of the tour after which Fazle Mahmud replaced him. The Tigers also won’t be having the services of their premier fast bowler, Mustafizur Rahman. New Zealand, on the other hand, have numbers in their favour, but will go into the game on the back of a hefty defeat against India in Mumbai. The Kiwis, however, are the reigning world champions of the purest format.

Kane Williamson won’t be a part of the series due to elbow problems since the T20 World Cup 2021. Left-hander Tom Latham has been named as the skipper. One omission that furrowed eyebrows was that of Ajaz Patel, who recently became the third bowler to bag all 10 wickets in a Test innings. The opening Test is scheduled to start on January 1 at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

Playing combination for NZ vs BAN

New Zealand

It won’t be a surprise if the Black Caps go in with five pacers for the upcoming encounter. Rachin Ravindra, who did well in the tours of Bangladesh and India, is the only spin-bowling option for the Kiwis in the red-ball matches. Ross Taylor will also be looking to make an impact in the middle order.

Predicted XI: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Tom Blundell, Kyle Jamieson, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Matt Henry/Rachin Ravindra

Bangladesh

Mominul Haque has scored the most number of centuries for Bangladesh in Test cricket and the onus will be on him at the top of the order. Mushfiqur Rahim needs to put his best foot forward in the absence of Tamim, Shakib and Mahmudullah, who has bid adieu to Test cricket last month.

Predicted XI: Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Liton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz Abu Jayed, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain

NZ vs BAN head-to-head

Overall

Played – 15 | New Zealand – 12 | Bangladesh – 0 | Draw – 3

In New Zealand

Played – 9 | New Zealand – 9 | Bangladesh – 0 | Draw – 0

NZ vs BAN Broadcast Details

Match Timings – 03:30 AM IST