Bangladesh vs New Zealand Prediction, 1st ODI – Who will win today’s match between BAN vs NZ?

Published - 16 Apr 2026, 10:41 IST | Updated - 16 Apr 2026, 11:38 IST

Bangladesh are set to face New Zealand in the first ODI on Friday, April 17 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.

Bangladesh have not featured in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and have since been involved only in bilateral series. They will be keen to shift focus and build momentum in the ODI format, with an eye on preparations for next year’s World Cup. All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz will lead the side, supported by key players such as Soumya Sarkar, Litton Das, Rishad Hossain, and Mustafizur Rahman.

Meanwhile, New Zealand entered the ODI setup after their recent T20I series against South Africa, fielding a slightly revamped squad for the 50-over format. The team will be captained by Tom Latham, with experienced names like Henry Nicholls, Will Young, William O'Rourke, and Ben Sears in the lineup.

The Shere Bangla National Stadium generally favours teams batting second, although scoring does not come easily from the outset. The surface tends to be on the slower side, meaning the ball does not come onto the bat quickly. This allows bowlers to play a crucial role, especially if they maintain disciplined lines and lengths. Pacers, in particular, can take advantage of the lack of pace in the pitch by varying their speeds and extracting movement, which often leads to wickets.

Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (WK), Towhid Hridoy, Rishad Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (C), Afif Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana

Tom Latham (C & WK), Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Muhammad Abbas, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, Dean Foxcroft, Adithya Ashok, William O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Blair Tickner

Tom Latham could prove to be the key batter for New Zealand in this clash. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter has amassed 4,464 runs in 163 ODIs at an average of 34.08, showcasing his consistency in the format. Once Latham settles in, he has the ability to shift gears and control the tempo of the innings.

Mustafizur Rahman could be the key bowler for Bangladesh national cricket team in this clash. The left-arm pacer has picked up 158 wickets in 126 ODIs, highlighting his effectiveness and experience in the format. He is known for his variations and can be particularly dangerous on slower surfaces.