Men's cricket
Bangladesh-Sri Lanka T20I series can be watched from anywhere in the world
Just a few days after the conclusion of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 10th season, Bangladesh cricketers are back on the field as they are set to face Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series starting on Monday (March 04, 2024). Fans around the globe can tune in to watch this series promising exciting cricket.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that spectators in Bangladesh can enjoy live coverage of the series on two TV channels — GTV and T-Sports — and can also stream the action on the go via the Rabbithole and T-Sports apps.
Sri Lankan fans can catch the series live on Siyatha TV, with streaming options available through Dialog TV. In India, viewers can follow the action on the FanCode OTT platform.
Bangladesh-Sri Lanka T20I series kicks off Monday
For fans in 27 countries across the Middle East and North Africa, the series will be broadcast on STARZPLAY, eLife, and Cricbuzz, with Cricbuzz also available in 10 countries in Southeast Asia.
Astro will broadcast the series in Malaysia, while Willow will cover it in 23 countries in North America.
For fans in other parts of the world, the series will be available on the Rabbithole and T-Sports YouTube channels, ensuring global access to the matches.
The first match of the T20I series is scheduled for Monday, March 4, with the remaining two matches taking place on March 6 and 9 in Sylhet. All matches will commence at 6 pm (Bangladesh time). Following the T20I series, both teams will head to Chattogram, Bangladesh’s main port city, for a three-match ODI series.
Barishal stuns Comilla to claim maiden BPL title
Bangladesh’s Head Coach Hathurusingha expresses disappointed with BPL
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has received its fair share of criticism over the years, but the head coach of the Bangladesh national team has gone further, saying he turns off TV when he sees BPL.
In a recent interview with ESPNCricinfo, Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha expressed his disappointment with the culture T20 events. “There has to be some regulation,” he said. “A player is playing one tournament and then playing another tournament. It's like a circus.”
Hathurusingha clearly outlined his frustration with Bangladesh “not having a proper T20 tournament.” He goes so far as to say, “This sounds very odd, but when I'm watching the BPL, I sometimes turn off the TV. Some players are not even of the class. I have a big issue with the current system.”
The coach emphasized the need for a T20 event where Bangladeshi bowlers can practice bowling in the death overs, and where Bangladeshi batters can gain experience batting at the top of the order.
Read more: BPL Spectacle: What Makes Tawhid Shine with a Century?
“A franchise does what it wants,” Hathurusingha added. “Some of my best players are not playing (the BPL). So then how do you expect the Bangladesh team to be up with the other teams? I am fighting a steep battle.”
The BPL 2024 has entered the playoffs, with the eliminator and the first qualifier taking place in Dhaka on February 27. Right after BPL, Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka in a full series — three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests.
Hathurusingha believes the series against Sri Lanka will see the real rivalry in the field, but he also mentioned that Bangladesh will be underdog against Sri Lanka in T20Is.
“We are developing as a T20 team. We are underdogs, to be honest. It is a good challenge for us. I am still confident we will give them a good fight. We will understand where we are at, ahead of the World Cup, after this series,” Hathurusingha added in the interview.
Read more: BPL Mid-Season Standout Stars: Naim, Shoriful Lead as Tournament Shifts to Chattogram
BPL Spectacle: What Makes Tawhid Shine with a Century?
When Tawhid Hridoy stepped onto the crease, the Comilla Victorians had already lost three wickets for just 23 runs, making their chase of a daunting target of 176 seems like an uphill battle.
Yet, Tawhid Hridoy refused to yield. In a display of artistry and control, he steered the team to a remarkable five-wicket victory, notching up his maiden century in the format — the first of the ongoing season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
His innings culminated in a brilliant 108 off just 57 balls, embellished with eight fours and seven sixes—powerful brushstrokes against an ominous backdrop.
His century was the only sixth century in BPL by the Bangladeshi batters. Overall, it was the 30th century in this prestigious T20 league in the country.
Read: BPL 2024: Strikers cruise home comfortably against Tigers
Following the match, the right-handed batter shared his thoughts with the media. He attributed his success to the opportunity to bat higher up the order, expressing gratitude to his captain and the team management for the chance provided.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to bat at the top order,” he remarked. “I would like to thank my captain and team management.”
Tawhid had garnered acclaim as one of the finest batters during his U-19 cricketing days and has since become an indispensable asset to the national white-ball team. Yet, amidst the accolades, he retains a sense of perspective.
Reflecting on his century in the BPL, Tawhid humbly remarked that while each century holds significance for him, his three centuries against Sri Lanka at the U-19 level stand out as particularly memorable.
“Every century is special,” he affirmed, “but those three against Sri Lanka at the U-19 level hold a special place in my heart.”
Read: BPL 2024: Sylhet triumph over Dhaka in battle of minnows
BPL 2024: Babar, Omarzai Propel Riders to Victory in Low-Scoring Affair vs Strikers
Pakistan's star batter, Babar Azam, and Afghanistan's Azmatullah Omarzai orchestrated a stunning seventh-wicket partnership, contributing 87 runs to guide Rangpur Riders to their first win of the new season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Tuesday (January 23, 2024).
In pursuit of a below-par target of 121 runs, the Riders found themselves in a precarious position, losing six wickets for just 39 runs. The prospect of defeat loomed large at that juncture.
Dushan Hemantha, a Sri Lankan spinner, took three wickets conceding 20 runs in four overs. All of his three wickets were notched up in a single over.
Read more: ICC U-19 World Cup: Bangladesh taste first victory beating Ireland by six wickets
While a defeat seemed a matter of time for the Riders, Babar, making his first appearance in this BPL season, and Omarzai had different intentions. They forged an unbeaten partnership of 87 runs, steering the Riders to a remarkable comeback victory.
Both Babar and Omarzai remained not out, scoring 56 and 47, respectively. The Riders reached the target with four wickets in hand and 10 balls to spare.
In the first innings, Sylhet Strikers batted first and were held to 120 for eight wickets. Benny Howell and Ben Cutting top-scored with 37 each, but the remaining batters struggled against the Riders' formidable bowling attack.
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, the Strikers' captain, opted to promote himself to number three, seemingly considering his limited bowling capacity due to fitness concerns. However, the plan backfired as he departed after contributing only six runs.
Mahedi Hasan and Ripon Mondal claimed two wickets each for the Riders.
Shakib Al Hasan, a key player for the Riders, was absent from the match as he is currently seeking medical attention in Singapore for an eye issue that has persisted since the World Cup 2023. His return date for this year's BPL remains uncertain.
Read more: BPL 2024: Chattogram Challengers, Khulna Tigers secure convincing wins
BPL T20 Fixtures 2024: Players, Complete schedule – Dates, Venues & Match Time
Excitement is building among fans, as the Twenty20 cricket league season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024 approaches on Friday, January 19. The 10th edition of the BPL is set to kick off featuring an exciting clash between defending champions Comilla Victorians and Durdanto Dhaka at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Star-studded lineups have always been a hallmark of the BPL, and this year is no exception. Here is a thorough coverage of the BPL 2024 competition, including the venues, schedule, and important players for each team.
Bangladesh Premier League 2024 at a Glance
Opening Match: January 19, 2024
Final Match: 1 March, 2024
Duration: 42 days
Cricket Format: T20
Tournament Format: Double round-robin and playoffs
Number of Teams: 7
Total Match: 46
Venues: Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Cricket Stadium in Chattogram, and Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet.
Read more: Bangladesh Men’s T20I Cricket in 2023: Performance Analysis
BPL 2024: Complete Schedule of Twenty20 Cricket League
Table: Schedule of BPL 2024
Phase
Date
Match
Venue
Time
Phase 1 (Dhaka)
Jan 19, Fri
Durdanta Dhaka vs Comilla Victorians
Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
02:00 PM
Sylhet Strikers vs Chattogram Challengers
Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
07:00 PM
Jan 20, Sat
Rangpur Riders vs Fortune Barishal
Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
01:30 PM
Khulna Tigers vs Chattogram Challengers
Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
06:30 PM
Jan 22, Mon
Durdanto Dhaka vs Chattogram Challengers
Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
01:30 PM
Fortune Barishal vs Khulna Tigers
Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
06:30 PM
Jan 23, Tue
Rangpur Riders vs Sylhet Strikers
Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
01:30 PM
Comilla Victorians vs Fortune Barishal
Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
06:30 PM
Phase 2 (Sylhet)
Jan 26, Fri
Khulna Tigers vs Rangpur Riders
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
02:00 PM
Sylhet Strikers vs Comilla Victorians
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
07:00 PM
Jan 27, Sat
Fortune Barishal vs Chattogram Challengers
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
01:30 PM
Durdanto Dhaka vs Rangpur Riders
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
06:30 PM
Jan 29, Mon
Sylhet Strikers vs Chattogram Challengers
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
01:30 PM
Durdanto Dhaka vs Khulna Tigers
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
06:30 PM
Jan 30, Tue
Comilla Victorians vs Rangpur Riders
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
01:30 PM
Sylhet Strikers vs Fortune Barishal
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
06:30 PM
Feb 02, Fri
Sylhet Strikers vs Durdanto Dhaka
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
02:00 PM
Chattogram Challengers vs Comilla Victorians
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
07:00 PM
Feb 03, Sat
Fortune Barishal vs Khulna Tigers
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
01:30 PM
Sylhet Strikers vs Rangpur Riders
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
06:30 PM
Phase 3 (Dhaka)
Feb 06, Tue
Rangpur Riders vs Durdanto Dhaka
Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
01:30 PM
Chattogram Challengers vs Fortune Barishal
Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
06:30 PM
Feb 07, Wed
Comilla Victorians vs Khulna Tigers
Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
01:30 PM
Durdanto Dhaka vs Sylhet Strikers
Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
06:30 PM
Feb 09, Fri
Khulna Tigers vs Sylhet Strikers
Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
02:00 PM
Durdanto Dhaka vs Comilla Victorians
Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
07:00 PM
Feb 10, Sat
Chattogram Challengers vs Rangpur Riders
Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
01:30 PM
Durdanto Dhaka vs Fortune Barishal
Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
06:30 PM
Phase 4 (Chattogram)
Feb 13, Tue
Chattogram Challengers vs Comilla Victorians
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Cricket Stadium
01:30 PM
Khulna Tigers vs Rangpur Riders
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Cricket Stadium
06:30 PM
Feb 14, Wed
Durdanto Dhaka vs Fortune Barishal
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Cricket Stadium
01:30 PM
Comilla Victorians Vs Khulna Tigers
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Cricket Stadium
06:30 PM
Feb 16, Fri
Durdanto Dhaka vs Khulna Tigers
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Cricket Stadium
02:00 PM
Chattogram Challengers vs Rangpure Riders
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Cricket Stadium
07:00 PM
Feb 17, Sat
Fortune Barishal vs Sylhet Strikers
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Cricket Stadium
01:30 PM
Chattogram Challengers vs Durdanto Dhaka
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Cricket Stadium
06:30 PM
Feb 19, Mon
Comilla Victorians vs Sylhet Strikers
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Cricket Stadium
01:30 PM
Fortune Barishal vs Rangpur Riders
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Cricket Stadium
06:30 PM
Feb 20, Tue
Chattogram Challengers vs Khulna Tigers
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Cricket Stadium
01:30 PM
Comilla Victorians vs Rangpur Riders
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Cricket Stadium
06:30 PM
Phase 5 (Dhaka)
Feb 21, Wed
Comilla Victorians vs Fortune Barishal
Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
01:30 PM
Khulna Tigers vs Sylhet Strikers
Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
06:30 PM
Eliminator
Feb 25, Sun
3rd placed team vs 4th placed team
Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
01:30 PM
Qualifier 1
1st placed team vs 2nd placed team
Sher-E-Bangla-National Cricket Stadium
06:30 PM
Qualifier 2
Feb 27, Tue
Loser Of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator
Sher-E-Bangla-National Cricket Stadium
06: 30 PM
Final
Mar 01, Fri
Winner of Q1 vs Winner of Q2
Sher-E-Bangla-National Cricket Stadium
07:00 Pm
Read more: Bangladesh Men’s Test Cricket in 2023: Performance Analysis
How to Watch BPL 2024 Live?
It is always fun to watch the matches of the much-liked local cricket competition, such as the BPL live direct from stadiums. However, fans can also watch BPL matches live on TV or online.
Cricket enthusiasts would have the opportunity to watch the thrilling matches of BPL 2024 via T Sports TV as well as the T Sports app. T Sports and GTV would continue to carry the tradition of airing Bangladesh matches.
BPL 2024 Key Players
This year's Bangladesh Premier League is expected to include some prominent players from franchise leagues across the globe. Let's take a look at some of the key players anticipated to join the competition.
Andre Russell
Andre Russell would feature in the T20 matches of 2024 BPL. He will play for the same team, Comilla Victorians, who won the title last year. Fans are eager to see him hit big sixes, and be a match-winner for the side.
Sunil Narine
Veteran franchise spinner Sunil Narine would also take part, playing for Comilla Victorians. Being a renowned player all over the globe, Sunil is vital for his lethal unorthodox bowling, and explosive with the bat.
Nicholas Pooran
Another West Indian, Nicholas Pooran would also play the BPL 2024. He will play for the Rangpur Riders. He is known for hitting big sixes. Besides, Nicholas can turn a difficult match towards a win.
Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan, a formidable Leg Spinner from Afghanistan, would look forward to playing for the Comilla Victorians. Rashid was retained by the franchise owner after he played a crucial role in winning the title last year.
Moeen Ali
BPL 2024’s another attraction is Moeen Ali. He is featured in all the franchise cricket including T20. He is handy with both bat and bowl. This marquee player is also a regular face in the biggest franchise league in the world, IPL (Indian Premier League).
Babar Azam
Babar Azam, a superstar cricketer of Pakistan, will participate in the BPL 2024. He was not picked up from the draft. He was signed up directly by the franchise owner, to play for Rangpur Riders.
Babar refused an alluring offer of half a million dollars to play for UAE‘s franchise league, the ILT20, to play this year’s Bangladesh Premier League.
Read more: Bangladesh Cricket in 2023: Men’s ODI Series- Performance Analysis
Details about BPL 2024 Venues
Three venues located in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet will host the 2024 Bangladesh Premier League. Those are:
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium
For the 2024 season, this stadium would host 12 BPL games. 22,000 people can fit in Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. This stadium has been one of the primary BPL venues since the competition's inception. Many international cricket events were held at this stadium in addition to the BPL.
Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
22 matches of BPL 2024, including the tournament's opening and closing games, would take place at Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The stadium can accommodate about 26,000 people at a time.
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium can accommodate 18,500 spectators and will host 12 BPL matches in 2024.
This stadium hosted BPL matches since 2017. Besides this, the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 and 2014 ICC Women's World Twenty20 were held at Sylhet Stadium.
Final Words
The matches of Bangladesh Premier League 2024 are expected to be fierce, featuring thrilling and skillful moments. Stars would dazzle fans with incredible performances. BPL is also a stage where new talents can flourish and showcase their talents.
Cricket fans are waiting for BPL 2024 as an exciting cricket season that will embrace the essence of the game in Bangladesh and create unforgettable memories.
Read more: Tamim gears up, keeping an eye on BPL
Bangladesh National Cricket Team’s Future Tour Program by ICC in 2024
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the FTP (Future Tour Program) for the next 4 years which starts in 2023 and will end in the year 2027. During this period, Bangladesh Men’s Cricket Team will play over 150 matches.
Tigers will start their international campaign, after playing BPL (Bangladesh Premier League), a franchise cricket league organized by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), starting from the 19th of January to the 1st Of March.
This article will discuss the complete FTP schedule of the Bangladesh Cricket Team for 2024.
Breakdown Of 2024 FTP of Bangladesh Men’s Cricket Team
In 2024, Bangladesh Men's Cricket Team will have a very busy schedule, as they will play 14 Tests, 9 ODI, and 17 T2OI (including a T20 World Cup).
It is a big year for the team as they don’t play Test cricket that much.
Also with the big event, the International Twenty20 World Cup, which will take place this year in the West Indies and USA, Bangladesh cricket fans can look forward to another year of exciting cricket.
Read more: Bangladesh Men’s Test Cricket in 2023: Performance Analysis
Table: Bangladesh Men’s Cricket Team FTP For 2024
Duration
Series
Series Details
Venue
Feb-March 2024
Sri Lanka Tour Of Bangladesh
2 Tests, 3 ODI’s, 3 T20I’s
Bangladesh
April 2024
Zimbabwe Tour Of Bangladesh
2 Tests, 5 T20I’s
Bangladesh
June 2024
ICC T20 World Cup 2024
West Indies, USA
July-August 2024
Bangladesh Tour Of Afghanistan
2 Tests, 3 ODI’s, 3 T20I’s
Afghanistan
Aug-Sep 2024
Bangladesh Tour Of Pakistan
2 Tests
Pakistan
Sep-Oct 2024
Bangladesh Tour Of India
2 Tests 3 T20I’s
India
Oct-Nov 2024
South Africa Tour Of Bangladesh
2 Tests
Bangladesh
Nov - Dec 2024
Bangladesh Tour of West Indies
2 Tests, 3 ODI’s, 3 T20I’s
West Indies
Read more: Was 2023 a Good or Bad Year for Bangladesh Cricket? Here’s What Stats Say
Preview of 2023 Pakistan vs Australia 3rd Test Match
After losing two back-to-back Tests against Australia, Pakistan will look to overcome their lackings, win the last Test match, and start the new year on a positive note.
Before the final Test match, let’s have a look at the preview, which will take place on Wednesday, January 03 at Sydney Cricket Ground at 12 pm Bangladesh time ( Local Time 05:30 am).
It will be the last match of the series, an important one for Pakistan, as their mediocre tour in Australia continues over two decades.
Preview of Pakistan vs Australia Third Test Match in 2023
Although they lost both matches, Pakistan showed promise at the start. But lack of inconsistency, and poor performance from the batters, led to a bad ending.
Overview of PAK vs AUS First Test
The 1st Test was played from the 14th to the 17th of December at Perth.
Australia won the toss and decided to bat first. Australia scored 487 runs after getting all-out. David Warner and Mitchell Marsh put up a strong 360-run partnership. Warner and Marsh scored 164 and 90 runs respectively.
Debutant Khurram Shahzad and Aamer Jamal impressed the most as they took 12 wickets combined out of the total 15 wickets Pakistan took in the match.
Pakistan team made a good start, as Imam ul Haq and Abdullah Shafique scored 60 and 42 respectively. But soon they started to crumble consistently. Nathan Lyon was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets. Besides, Cummins and Starc chipped in with 2 wickets each.
Australia declared their second innings after scoring 232 runs, losing 5 wickets, and set a massive target of 450 runs. Mitchell Marsh was adjudged man of the match.
Pakistan in reply, collapsed heavily, scoring only 89 runs, facing the heaviest defeat of 360 runs. Skipper Pat Cummins took 5 wickets. Lyon contributed with the ball again, taking 3 wickets.
Read more: Bangladesh Cricket in 2023: Men’s ODI Series- Performance Analysis
Overview of PAK vs AUS Second Test
After a heavy defeat, Pakistan faced Australia on the 26th of December in Melbourne.
Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl.
Australia scored only 318 runs. Marnus Labuschagne scored 63 runs. Aamer Jamal took 3 wickets, while Shaheen, Hamza, and Ali took 2 wickets each.
Pakistan managed to score only 264 runs. Scoring 62 runs, Abdullah Shafique made a good start. Shan Maqsood, captain also scored a half-century.
Cummin's outstanding bowling picked up 5 wickets, while Lyon took 4 wickets.
Australia could not start their second innings as expected. They lost 4 wickets in a very short time with a score of 16 runs on the board.
Mitchell Marsh steadied the innings with Steve Smith, putting up a partnership of 153 runs. Still, Australia managed to score only 262 runs, setting a total of 317 runs for Pakistanis to chase. Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, and Alex Carrey scored 96, 50 and 53 runs respectively.
Shaheen Afridi and Mir Hamza took 4 wickets each and restricted the Aussies to a score that would be easy to chase down in the last innings.
Pakistan batted their second innings with clear intent to win the match and level the score 1-1.
But unfortunately, they could not chase down the total, getting all out for just 237 runs. Shan Maqsood, Babar Azam, and Agha Salman scored 61 runs, 41 runs, and 50 runs respectively giving some hope to win the match.
Pat Cummins was too much to handle, as he bagged another 5, ending the match with 10 wickets. He was awarded the Man of the Match award.
Read more: Was 2023 a Good or Bad Year for Bangladesh Cricket? Here’s What Stats Say
Pakistan vs Australia Head-to-Head Records In Test
Matches
Won by Australia
Won by Pakistan
Tied
N/R
70
34
15
20
01
Australia is way ahead of Pakistan in Tests, winning 34 matches, whereas Pakistan only won 15 matches.
Probable Australia Test Squad
Pat Cummins (c), David Warner, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Green, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Lance Morris, Scott Boland, and Josh Hazlewood.
Probable Pakistan Test Squad
Shan Masood(c), Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saim Ayub, Aamer Jamal, Agha Salman, Faheem Ashraf,
Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sajid Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Noman Ali, Mir Hamza, and Khurram Shahzad.
Final Verdict
After taking the series 2-0, Australia will look forward to winning the last match and wrap up the series with a clean sweep of, 3-0. Before this series, Australia were dominating with 34 wins against Pakistan overall.
Pakistan only won 15 against Aussies. And, they have lost the ongoing series. Still, they will try to end the 2023 PAK vs AUS Test Series with a win and start their new year 2024 with a fresh approach.
Read more: Bangladesh Men’s Test Cricket in 2023: Performance Analysis
Preview of BAN Vs NZ T20I Series 2023: Fixtures, Schedule, Key Players, Team
The 3-match ODI series between Bangladesh and New Zealand ended on December 23. Though New Zealand clinched the series, the Tigers won their first-ever ODI against the Kiwis on their home soil. From December 27, a 3-match T20I series between these countries will take place at McLean Park in Napier. Before the series begins, let's have a closer look at the fixture, key players, and teams of the 2023 BAN vs NZ T20 series.
Fixtures of Bangladesh vs New Zealand T20I Series
Table: Schedule and Venues
Match
Date
Time (Bangladesh Time)
Venue
1st T20I
Wednesday, Dec 27, 2023
12:10 pm
McLean Park, Napier
2nd T20I
Friday, Dec 29, 2023
12:10 pm
Mount Maunganui
3rd T20I
Sunday, Dec 31, 2023
06:10 pm
Mount Maunganui
BAN vs NZ T20I Head-to-Head Records
Matches
Won by New Zealand
Won by Bangladesh
Tied
N/R
17
14
3
00
00
The 3 T20I matches that Bangladesh won against New Zealand were held in 2021, where they won the series 3-2 in home ground.
Read more: Bangladesh creates history with maiden ODI win in New Zealand
Preview of BAN vs NZ T20I Series 2023
Since T20 is the shortest format in the international arena, cricket fans are expected to get more explosive batting from the batters. Team Tigers are looking forward to showing their potential, proving that they are a formidable opponent, not just in their home ground, but also on other grounds as well.
Bangladesh will feel a bit more confident, as they won their last two T20I series against England and Afghanistan in Bangladesh, securing a 3-0 and a 2-0 whitewash, which was a rare occasion for a team, who are not consistent in the shortest format.
This series will be a challenging one for Bangladesh, as they are missing some of their key players in the series, whereas the Kiwis announced a strong squad to build momentum for the next T20 World Cup, which will be hosted by West Indies and the USA in 2024.
Missing Players For Bangladesh
Bangladesh does not have some of the team's key players. Shakib Al Hasan, an iconic player, is likely to miss out due to an injury. Speedstar Taskin Ahmed is missing as well, because of his recurring shoulder injury that flared up during the World Cup.
Another senior player on this side, Mahmudullah Riyad, opted to miss out due to personal reasons. Nasum Ahmed, who was a regular name in the T20I side, also missed out due to poor performance in the 2023 ICC World Cup.
Read more: From duck to diamond: Soumya reborn with brilliant 169 vs New Zealand
Missing Players For New Zealand
Kane Williamson and Kyle Jamieson, withdrew their names from New Zealand’s T20I squad against Bangladesh, which will start on December 27. Devon Conway is rested for the T20I due to management workload.
Experience bowler Trent Boult made himself unavailable for the selection. Matt Henry, Michael Bracewell, and Lockie Ferguson are also missing out due to injuries.
Key Players in Bangladesh Squad
BCB has already announced a 15-man squad for the upcoming T20I Series against New Zealand, which will begin on December 27.
There are new faces in the squad, also some debutants, while there are others who feature in the side regularly. Now it will be interesting to see how young players made an impact in the Bangladesh Team.
These are some of the key players on the current side, to watch out for.
Najmul Hossain Shanto
Najmul Hossain Shanto, who was recently appointed as the Bangladesh captain for the whole New Zealand white-ball tour, will be one of the players who can create an impact, which will be beneficial for the team.
His prolific batting at the top order made him an integral part of the national side, as Bangladesh is looking to build a strong team ahead of the next T20 World Cup in 2024.
His recent consistent form against difficult opponents like England and Afghanistan gave the side a platform to chase and defend targets which was lacking, for a while in the T20 arena. As he might grow from the captaincy role he got, he will be more focused on continuing his superb form, despite the challenging conditions in New Zealand.
Rishad Hossain
One of the debutants in the current line-up, a leg spinner, will look forward to the upcoming T20Is, as he looks to make a valuable contribution, not only with the bowl but also with the bat in hand.
Recently he made his presence felt when he made his debut in the second ODI, where he hit a six from the first ball he faced, which showed a good sign, for the Tigers, who are also looking for someone, to play the pinch-hitting role, in the lower order. Still early times, but he can be a good asset for the side if he can contribute to the team.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib
A youngster, who played in the U-19 World Cup in 2020, is another prospect for the current national side. He made his international debut a couple of months back and is now proving to be a bright light in the future of Bangladesh cricket.
He bagged 3 wickets in his last ODI, which was the crucial aspect for Bangladesh to knock over New Zealand, and get the victory.
As far as his bowling, he is quite a handful with the bat as well. He can hit a long ball, which sometimes proves vital when putting up a huge total on board.
Read more: New Zealand cruise home to win ODI series, Soumya’s century in vain
Players to watch in New Zealand Squad
New Zealand has put a strong team for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, featuring regular players, alongside some new faces.
Finn Allen
Finn Allen, a fine hitter of the cricket ball, is a promising young batsman from New Zealand who could be the one to look out from the New Zealand dugout.
His ability to score runs will make him a valuable addition to the current T20I side.
He has some stellar batting prowess, against tough opponents, during the T20 World Cup in 2022, which was exactly what the Kiwis wanted, as they were searching for an explosive opener who could give them a quick start, right from the power play.
Glenn Phillips
Glenn Phillips can not only bat, but he can also slog on out for a long distance. He can be quite useful, and more than just a handy right-arm spinner.
Alongside his bat and ball prowess, he is a great fielder. He is the perfect player for T20, where everyone has to be on their toes for the whole innings. As long as he is there on the cricket field, the experience will be truly spectacular, for the cricket fans, on and off the field.
Mitchell Santner
Last but not certainly not least, the recently appointed captain for the Kiwi side, Mitchell Santner. He is one of the few experienced players in the current New Zealand side.
As he led the team in the past, the management trusted him to deliver the goods as the regular captain Kane Williamson was out due to workload management. Apart from the captaincy, he is a very important player for the side.
He can provide crucial breakthroughs with the ball in hand. With his skillful left-arm spin bowling, it would be difficult to play around.
His Batting is also an aspect to keep an eye on. He can play the finisher role in the lower end of the innings, which proved to be more than sufficient if you want to chase down a huge target or put up a huge total.
Read more: Chennai Super Kings secure Mustafizur Rahman for IPL 2024
Probable Bangladesh Squad
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Litton Kumer Das, Rony Talukdar, Tawhid Hridoy, Hossain, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Soumya Sarkar, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice Captain), Mahedi Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
Probable New Zealand Squad
Mitchell Santner (Captain), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Rachin Ravindra, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, and Jacob Duffy.
Final Words
So far, we have discussed the fixtures, schedule, key players, and probable squad of the 2023 Bangladesh vs New Zealand T20I series.
While both teams are similar in terms of experience, Bangladesh will get the upper hand due to the momentum they got after defeating New Zealand in the last ODI they played.
However, New Zealand is way ahead, winning 14 out of 17 matches when facing Bangladesh. Kiwis will look to bounce back from their recent ODI defeat and would like to start the upcoming T20I series with a win and play their cricket in good spirits.
Read more: Overview Of BAN VS NZ ODI Series 2023: Post World Cup Matches
Overview Of BAN VS NZ ODI Series 2023: Post World Cup Matches
After suffering 18 consecutive losses against New Zealand on their home ground, Bangladesh staged a spectacular comeback at McLean Park in Napier. Even though the hosts had already won the series, which was held from the 17th to the 23rd of December, the final ODI saw an unexpected turn of events. Let's have a look into the overview of the 2023 BAN vs NZ ODI series.
Best Performers in the 2023 Bangladesh Vs New Zealand ODI Series
Despite New Zealand dominating the first two matches, Bangladesh completed an exciting comeback with a spectacular victory in the final ODI. The series featured outstanding performances from standout players on both teams, adding an extra layer of excitement to the cricketing match.
Table: Top performers in the 2023 BAN vs NZ ODI Series
Player
Performance
Will Young
220 Runs
Soumya Sarker
173 Runs
Tom Latham
146 Runs
Shoriful Islam
6 Wickets
Will Young
Will Young, the opener, showcased extraordinary resilience as he blazed through a brisk century, steering New Zealand's remarkable comeback from a challenging beginning. In a rain-interrupted first ODI in Dunedin, Young's stellar performance secured a thrilling 44-run victory over Bangladesh.
The dynamic New Zealand opener narrowly missed out on his second consecutive ODI century with 89 runs off 94 balls in a thrilling second ODI against Bangladesh. Young demonstrated his explosive batting prowess once again, unleashing eight boundaries and two towering sixes after his spectacular match-winning performance of 105 in the series opener.
Read more: From duck to diamond: Soumya reborn with brilliant 169 vs New Zealand
Soumya Sarker
Soumya Sarkar, making his comeback after missing the World Cup, failed to make an impression with bat and ball. Despite being backed for his medium pace, the 30-year-old all-rounder's bowling does not warrant a place in the ODI squad.
Soumya conceded 63 runs in a 30-over match while bowling the entire six overs. His return to the national team took a turn for the worse when he was dismissed for a duck in the first over from Adam Milne while chasing a revised total of 245 runs in the first ODI.
After a five-year absence, Soumya Sarkar smashed his first century in international cricket in an exciting turn of events that marked a remarkable comeback for Bangladesh.
In the second ODI of the three-match series at Saxton Oval in Nelson, Bangladesh lost by seven wickets against the formidable New Zealand team, despite Soumya's astonishing display of a career-best 169 off just 151 deliveries, which incidentally remains the highest score by an Asian batter in ODIs in New Zealand.
Soumya achieved a remarkable milestone and inscribed his name in cricket history in an exciting feat!
He broke the record set by the great Sachin Tendulkar, who accomplished a record-breaking 163 not out against New Zealand in Christchurch in 2009.
Bangladesh achieved a remarkable total of 291 thanks to Soumya's outstanding innings, which also set a new record for their highest-ever ODI score against the Kiwis at home. Even though they lost, Soumya Sarkar's incredible century was a thrilling high point that demonstrated his strength and tenacity in international cricket.
In the last ODI, Soumya Sarkar started to cause trouble at McLean Park alongside Sakib, Shoriful! The part-timer has a remarkable impact due to the unanticipated turn of events.
But after a regrettable incident involving his right eye, Soumya is forced to temporarily leave the field, throwing the excitement into a surprising twist.
Read more: New Zealand cruise home to win ODI series, Soumya’s century in vain
Tom Latham
Tom Latham led the way to a victory in the first match of the series, which was played using the D/LS method rule.
A dynamic partnership between centurion Will Young and skipper Tom Latham, marked by a sensational 171-run stand for the third wicket, propelled New Zealand to a thrilling 1-0 lead over Bangladesh. His innings of 92 runs in 77 balls, set the platform for the rest of the Kiwi batters, to set a staggering target of 245 in 30 overs.
Tom Latham, once again proved to be the man that New Zealand can rely on, as he steadied the ship in the 2nd ODI, which they won comfortably by 7 wickets and 22 balls to spare.
After Will Young and Henry Nicholls, each scored 89 and 95 runs respectively, Tom Latham and Tom Blundell batted sensibly and steered them through the second win, eventually leading them to clinch the series.
After winning the series, The Kiwis were put in a difficult position from the start, and Shoriful's outstanding second spell made things even worse. He took three crucial wickets during this thrilling phase, including the dismissals of Will Young (26 off 43) and
New Zealand captain Tom Latham (21 off 34). The hosts' batting lineup was destroyed by this outstanding performance, and they were unable to bounce back from the first setback.
In the 3rd ODI, the tides turned drastically for the Kiwis as they were bundled out for a mere 98 runs.
Alongside Will Young—who quickly became the series' most memorable performer—exhibited incredible tenacity. They created a thrilling partnership and scored an explosive 36 runs for the third wicket together.
The suspense built to a climax when Shoriful launched an incredible nip-backer that broke through Latham's barriers and started a domino effect.
Read more: Chennai Super Kings secure Mustafizur Rahman for IPL 2024
Shoriful Islam
Young Bangladeshi speedster Shoriful did exceptionally well in the 3 ODIs as he walked in the footsteps of Taskin and Mustafizur, becoming another trustful resource in the Bangladesh fast bowling unit.
In the first match, he picked up two wickets that enabled Bangladesh to restrict them within a chasable total. Bangladesh lost the match but it was good for the young bowler.
He couldn't make a good impression, as they lost the second match by a big margin. Despite getting only one wicket, he checked the batsmen with his line and length, letting them work for everyone's run, which is a trademark for becoming a better bowler, if not the best.
In the third ODI, he was at his best rhythm, as Bangladesh won their first match after 18 straight losses. He bagged 3 wickets alongside Sakib and Soumya. He took the prize wicket of Will Young, the top scorer of this series, alongside Tom Latham and Mark Chapman.
Overall ODI Performance of Tigers in the Series Against New Zealand
It has been an average ride, as Bangladesh was eyeing their first series win against Kiwis, away from home. There were many positives like Soumya making a comeback, and breaking records. Shoriful maintained a good channel.
Though Bangladesh didn't win the series, they had some positives, especially from the bowling of Shoriful who bagged 6 wickets, the most by anyone in this series. He chipped in through the crucial moment for the team, which eventually created pressure for the opponent.
Shanto provided good captaincy throughout the series. Bangladesh can go with their heads up high and move towards the T20Is which will be another cracking series to be dealt with.
Overall ODI Performance of Kiwis in the Series Against Bangladesh
Kiwis played impressive cricket in the first two matches, securing another series win on their home soil. New Zealand can also take a lot of positives as most of their senior players didn't play this series, giving more opportunities to young cricketers for the future.
Much like the first ODI, Young masterfully dictated the pace of his innings in the 2nd ODI, keeping the formidable Bangladesh bowlers constantly on the defensive.
Unfortunately, he couldn't get the momentum going as he fell short of making any impact which ended as a devastating loss and a massive win for Bangladesh.
Will Young ended the year on a high note, following debutants like William O’Rourke, Jacob Duffey, Josh Clarkson, and Adithya Ashok showed an impressive display with the bowl.
Final Words
After a disappointing 2023 World Cup campaign, Bangladesh fought valiantly till the end of the BAN vs NZ ODI series and won the last match, ending the series in good spirit before going over to the T20Is. This was by far the best series away from home against the Kiwis.
Read more: Bangladesh creates history with maiden ODI win in New Zealand
From duck to diamond: Soumya reborn with brilliant 169 vs New Zealand
After a prolonged period of struggles, Soumya Sarkar roared back to life with a dazzling century against New Zealand. In the second BAN vs NZ ODI in Nelson, Soumya blazed 169 runs off 151 balls, peppering his innings with 22 fours and two sixes.
This knock marked a monumental turnaround for the left-hander who last reached a half-century in 2019. The following years saw him sidelined from the ODI team in 2020, failing to impress in his limited opportunities in 2021, and dropped again in 2022.
His return under head coach Chandika Hathurusingha began with two consecutive ducks in 2023, raising questions about his selection. However, Hathurusingha remained committed to Soumya, and the faith paid off spectacularly.
Bangladesh aim to bounce back in 2nd ODI vs New Zealand
The opener unleashed his fury on the Kiwis, dispatching deliveries to all corners of the ground. In doing so, he not only stood tall amidst Asian batters on New Zealand soil but also etched his name in record books. His 169 surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's 163 not out in Christchurch in 2009, claiming the mantle of the highest ODI score by an Asian batter in New Zealand.
This was Soumya’s third ODI century, adding to his previous accomplishments in 2015 and 2018.
Fueled by his career-best knock, Bangladesh piled up a formidable total of 291 all out in the second ODI against New Zealand. Bangladesh lost the first match. If the Tigers can defend this total on Wednesday (December 20, 2023), the last match will turn into a final of this series.
Triumphant U-19 boys eager to keep shining