Bangladesh keep unchanged squad for first two New Zealand ODIs

DHAKA: Bangladesh have retained the same squad for the opening two matches of their upcoming three-match One-day International series against New Zealand, according to the first squad announcement made by the country’s newly constituted selection panel.

The four-member panel, headed by Habibul Bashar Sumon, decided to continue with the group that played in the ODI series against Pakistan last month. The decision was made on the basis of continuity and the team’s overall showing in that series.

Bangladesh won that home ODI series against Pakistan 2-1, and the selectors have chosen not to make any changes for the first two fixtures against New Zealand.

The panel has also continued to back opener Saif Hassan despite his recent struggles with the bat. Saif scored 52 runs in three matches during the Pakistan series, but he has still been kept in the squad for the first two games against New Zealand.

Tour schedule announced

New Zealand are due to arrive in Bangladesh on Monday for a tour that will feature three ODIs and three Twenty20 Internationals.

The first two ODIs are scheduled to be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on April 17 and April 20. The third and final ODI will then be held in Chattogram on April 23.

After the 50-over series, the teams will move into the T20I leg of the tour. The first two T20Is will take place in Chattogram on April 27 and April 29, while the final match of the series is set to be played in Dhaka on May 2.

The squad announcement marks the first selection decision by the newly formed panel under Habibul Bashar Sumon, with the selectors opting for stability ahead of the opening part of the New Zealand series.

By keeping the same combination that featured against Pakistan, Bangladesh have signalled confidence in the players who helped secure a series win last month. The unchanged selection for the first two ODIs also means the team management and selectors are maintaining faith in the existing group as they prepare to face New Zealand in home conditions.

The tour will begin with the ODI series before shifting to the T20I matches later in April and early May, with fixtures split between Dhaka and Chattogram.