The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) New Zealand has officially announced the schedule for the upcoming white ball tour of Bangladesh. The six-match series, comprising three ODIs and three T20Is, will be played in April and May and will mark the return of the New Zealand national cricket team to Bangladesh after nearly two-and-a-half years.
BAN vs NZ: Here’s a quick look at the full route:
- April 17: 1st ODI – Mirpur
- April 20: 2nd ODI – Mirpur
- April 23: 3rd ODI – Chattogram
- April 27: 1st T20I – Chattogram
- April 29: 2nd T20I – Chattogram
- May 2: 3rd T20I – Mirpur
All ODIs will be day-night fixtures, while the T20Is have a mix of afternoon and evening starts, providing variety for fans and broadcasters alike.
The series also holds added significance for the Bangladesh national cricket team as it marks their second destination after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.
BAN vs NZ: Venues, context and challenges ahead for both teams
The two locations chosen for the series bring contrasting game conditions. The Mirpur surface at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium is traditionally favorable for spin, especially during day games, often challenging the visitors. In contrast, Chattogram’s coastal conditions at Bir Shrestha Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium generally favor the batting game, offering better bounce and carry.
The teams will travel from Dhaka to Chattogram on April 21 after the second ODI, ensuring a smooth transition between the venues.
Historically, matches between these sides in Bangladesh have been competitive. During New Zealand’s last visit in 2023, the Black Caps won the ODI series 2–0, with the Test series ending in a tie. However, Bangladeshi fans will be confident of their T20I success in 2021, where they beat New Zealand 3-2 in the five-match home series.
New Zealand go into this tour with strong credentials despite their recent setback. They finished second in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 lost to India in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The team is also currently busy with a T20I series against South Africa at home.
However, one of the most talked about points ahead of this round is the player’s availability. The Bangladesh vs New Zealand 2026 series coincides with IPL 2026, creating a potential selection headache for New Zealand Cricket. Several key players are associated with the franchise including Glenn Phillips, Trent Boult, Loki Ferguson and Rachin Ravindra among others.
Captain Mitchell Santner himself is part of the IPL set-up, raising the possibility that New Zealand could field a relatively inexperienced or second-rate squad for the tour of Bangladesh. This can significantly affect the balance of the competition.
On the other hand, Bangladesh are entering the series fast. Recently, they showed resilience and adaptability to secure a 2-1 ODI series win over Pakistan at home. This success increased the team’s confidence before another difficult task.
The upcoming series is also part of a packed home calendar for Bangladesh, with tours of Australia, India and the West Indies later in the year. This makes the New Zealand series a crucial opportunity for the hosts to build consistency and improve combinations.
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