Following a break due to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, New Zealand is going to resume its tour of Bangladesh. Previously, the Kiwis secured a 2-0 victory in the three-match ODI series (with the first match being canceled due to rain) and are now prepared for a two-test series set to start on Tuesday, November 28, at 9:30 am Bangladesh time. The 2023 BAN vs NZ 1st Test match will be played at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Preview of Bangladesh vs New Zealand Test Match

Bangladesh appointed left-handed batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto as the captain for the Test format. This marks Shanto's debut as the leader of the test side, building on his previous experience as captain during the ODI Cricket World Cup in India when Shakib Al Hasan was sidelined due to injury.

Regrettably, Bangladesh will be without the pacer Taskin Ahmed, who is currently sidelined due to a shoulder injury. Additionally, Shakib Al Hasan, the usual Test captain, is unavailable following a finger injury sustained during the World Cup encounter against Sri Lanka. Liton Das has taken a leave to spend time with his newborn daughter. Shadman Islam and Nurul Hasan Sohan returned to the team after a long time. Shadman last played a Test for the national team against the West Indies in April last year. In addition, Sohan's most recent appearance was in December against India. Both players feature prominently among the top five run-scorers in the current National League season. Sohan, positioned at number two, has accumulated an impressive total of 435 runs in 9 innings across 6 matches. On the other hand, Sadman's scored 411 runs in 8 innings of 5 matches.

Mushfiqur Rahim is expected to lead the batting lineup, partnering with Mominul Haque, Shadman Islam, and Mahmudul Hasan Joy. Additionally, the all-rounder roles will be carried out by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shahadat Hossain. Taijul Islam will lead the bowling department, with support from Shoriful Islam and Khaled Ahmed, who made his ODI debut in the last series.

Hasan Murad has earned his maiden call-up to the Test team. Murad consistently showed his skills in domestic cricket, catching the attention of selectors. Currently, he ranks among the top 10 wicket-takers in the ongoing National Cricket League. Given his performance and potential, the selectors saw fit to include the left-arm spinner, a member of the Youth World Cup-winning team, in the Test squad against New Zealand.

On the other hand, Tim Southee will be the captain for the Kiwis, and the team will feature players like Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, and Mitchell Santner. Rachin Ravindra, who had an outstanding World Cup in 2023, is back in the Test squad after last playing against Bangladesh in January 2022. Neil Wagner joined the New Zealand Test squad on November 17, 2023, filling in for the injured Matt Henry.

Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Top Performers in Batting, Bowling and Fielding At a Glance

Bangladesh Test Squad Against New Zealand

Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shahadat Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Mominul Haque, Hasan Murad, and Nayeem Hasan.

New Zealand Test Squad Against Bangladesh

Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Kane Williamson, Will Young, and Neil Wagner.

Bangladesh vs New Zealand Head-to-Head in Test

New Zealand and Bangladesh have contested 17 Test matches, with the Kiwis emerging victorious in 13 encounters. Bangladesh managed to clinch victory in only one match. Three of the test matches were drawn. In their last series in 2021-2022, the Tigers managed to draw against New Zealand in an away series. Bangladesh achieved a historic milestone with their maiden Test win over New Zealand in Mount Maunganui on December 31, 2021.

Read more: New Zealand tour of Bangladesh in 2023-2024

Table: BAN vs NZ H-to-H Test Stats So Far

Key Bangladeshi Players to Watch

Mushfiqur Rahim

Mushfiqur Rahim has scored 442 runs in nine Test matches against New Zealand at an average of 34. During these matches, he has hit one century and two half-centuries. So, he might use his previous experience against the Kiwis/

Najmul Hossian Shanto

Shanto is one of the leading run-scorers for Bangladesh in Test cricket this year, scoring 274 runs at an impressive average of 68.50 in two matches, including two centuries. Against New Zealand, he has scored 144 runs from three matches.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz

Miraz has played 5 test matches against New Zealand and grabbed 10 wickets. He also scored 81 runs for Bangladesh. His all-round skills have improved since his last meeting with New Zealand in January 2022. So, he will surely make some impact.

Key New Zealand Players to Watch

Tom Latham

Tom Latham is the second-highest run-scorer for New Zealand against Bangladesh, having accumulated 734 runs in six Tests at an outstanding average of 91.75. During these matches, he has scored three centuries and a single fifty, with a highest score of 252.

Neil Wagner

Neil Wagner stands as New Zealand's second-highest wicket-taker against Bangladesh in a test, having secured 39 wickets. So, Bangladeshi batters will have to play Wagner carefully.

Final Words

With both teams making strategic adjustments and adding a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, the cricketing stage is set for a fascinating match. Bangladesh, led by debutant Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, face challenges with key players unavailable due to injuries and personal reasons. On the other hand, New Zealand, under the captaincy of Tim Southee, bring a challenging lineup that includes the returning Rachin Ravindra and the experienced Tom Latham.

Read more: Ticket prices unveiled for Bangladesh vs New Zealand test match in Sylhet