Main stars busy in IPL 2026, depleted New Zealand team too good for Bangladesh in BAN vs NZ 1st ODI

Bangladesh cricket team have gotten off on the wrong footing in their preparation for the ODI World Cup in 2027 as they lost their first game since the T20 WC to the Kiwis by 26 runs. New Zealand have sent a second-string side to the sub-continent, since most of their players are involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). The likes of Mitchell Santner, Finn Allen, and Tim Seifert, among others, are not a part of the series because they are either a part of the IPL or the PSL.

Bangladesh lose to New Zealand in 1st ODI

New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first in the 1st ODI against Bangladesh. While Nick Kelly was dismissed cheaply, Young and Nicholls registered a 73-run 2nd wicket partnership. Kelly (7 off 23) was the first batter to depart as Shoriful Islam cleaned him up. A 73-run partnership between Nicholls and Young helped NZ steady the ship, but that wasn’t enough. Nicholls scored 68 off 83 balls, while Young scored 30 off 42.

Dean Foxcraft’s 59 off 58 deliveries allowed NZ to reach a face-saving total of 247/8 at the end of 50 overs. Taskin Ahmad, Shoriful Islam, and Rishad Hossain finished with two wickets each to their name.

In response, Bangladesh were restricted to 221 in .3 overs. Saif Hassan was the top run-scorer with a 57-run knock, while Towhid Hridoy was second on the list with his 55-run knock off 60 balls. The rest of the batting line-up simply failed to fire, registering single-digit scores. Litton Das managed to score a 46-run knock, but that didn’t help the hosts whatsoever.

A depleted New Zealand bowling line-up saw Blair Tickner finish with figures of 4/40 in 10 overs. Nathan Smith finished with 3/45 while Foxcroft, Lennox, and William O’Rourke finished with one wicket each to their names. Bangladesh were pretty good at the start of the run-chase but ran our of steam in the middle-overs. Too many dot deliveries helped New Zealand capitalize. Being bowled out at home for 221 was the last thing that Bangladesh would have wanted, especially when they are gearing up for the ODI World Cup in 2027.

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