NZ vs BAN, New Zealand in Bangladesh 2023, 1st ODI Highlights
Introduction
The first one-day international between Bangladesh and New Zealand was a rain-affected match that ended in a no result. The match was part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League, which serves as a qualification pathway for the ICC World Cup 2027. New Zealand, who were put in to bat by Bangladesh, struggled to cope with the spin and swing of the hosts’ bowlers and were reduced to 136 for 5 when the play was halted. Bangladesh did not get a chance to bat as the rain came down heavily and the outfield was deemed unfit for play. Both teams shared one point each from the no result, leaving the three-match series level.
New Zealand’s innings
The match was reduced to 42 overs per side after a delayed start, but only 33.4 overs of play were possible before the rain returned and forced the umpires to abandon the game. Will Young was the top scorer for the visitors with 58 off 91 balls, while Henry Nicholls made 44 off 57 balls. The duo added 97 runs for the third wicket after New Zealand lost both their openers cheaply.
Mustafizur Rahman was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, taking 3 for 27 in seven overs. He dismissed Finn Allen, Chad Bowes and Nicholls with his trademark cutters and seam movement. Nasum Ahmed, the left-arm spinner, also chipped in with two wickets, removing Young and Rachin Ravindra in quick succession.
Bangladesh’s innings
Bangladesh did not get a chance to bat as the rain came down heavily and the outfield was deemewd unfit for play. Both teams shared one point each from the no result, leaving the three-match series level. The second ODI will be played at the same venue on Friday, September 23, 2023.
Serious context
The match was the first ODI for both teams since the ICC World Cup 2023, where New Zealand finished as the runners-up and Bangladesh failed to qualify for the knockouts. Both teams made several changes to their squads, with New Zealand missing their regular captain Kane Williamson and several other key players due to injury