The New Zealand national cricket team have confirmed two changes to their previously announced squad ahead of the forthcoming tour of Bangladesh, which will feature both One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) series later this month.
The most notable alteration comes with the withdrawal of all-rounder Christian Clark, who has been ruled out after sustaining an injury to his right palm. The setback has forced team management to make a prompt adjustment, underlining the physical demands of modern international cricket and the importance of squad depth during congested schedules.
In Clark’s absence, the selectors have called up left-arm seamer Ben Lister as his replacement for both the ODI and T20I formats. Lister, who is currently touring Sri Lanka with the New Zealand A side, brings a measure of international experience despite still being in the early stages of his career. Since making his debut in 2023, he has featured in three ODIs and 12 T20 internationals, demonstrating promise with his pace and variations. His most recent appearance for the national side came in April 2024 in the T20 format.
In a separate development, fast bowler Ben Sears will not be available for the ODI leg of the Bangladesh tour due to his commitments in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Sears has secured a contract with Rawalpindi franchise, prompting his temporary absence from the national setup. However, he is expected to rejoin the squad in time for the T20I series following the conclusion of his PSL obligations. Notably, New Zealand Cricket has opted not to name a replacement for Sears in the ODI squad.
The tour is scheduled to commence with the New Zealand team arriving in Bangladesh on 13 April. The ODI series will begin shortly thereafter, with the first two matches set to take place at the iconic Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on 17 and 20 April. The third and final ODI will then be held on 23 April at the Shaheed Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram.
Following the 50-over series, attention will shift to the shorter format. The opening two T20 internationals are scheduled for 27 and 29 April in Chattogram, before the series concludes with the third and final match on 2 May back in Mirpur.
বাংলাদেশ-নিউজিল্যান্ড সিরিজ সূচি (Bangladesh vs New Zealand Series Schedule)
| Date | Format | Venue | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 April | ODI | Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium | Dhaka |
| 20 April | ODI | Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium | Dhaka |
| 23 April | ODI | Shaheed Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium | Chattogram |
| 27 April | T20I | Shaheed Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium | Chattogram |
| 29 April | T20I | Shaheed Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium | Chattogram |
| 2 May | T20I | Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium | Dhaka |
These adjustments reflect the increasingly complex nature of international cricket scheduling, where franchise leagues and national duties often overlap. For New Zealand, managing player availability while maintaining competitiveness remains a delicate balancing act.
The upcoming series is expected to provide both teams with valuable match practice and strategic insights, particularly as they look ahead to future international assignments. With conditions in Bangladesh traditionally favouring spin and adaptability, New Zealand’s revised squad will need to quickly acclimatise in order to challenge the home side effectively.
As anticipation builds, the series promises to deliver a compelling contest between two well-matched sides, each eager to assert dominance across both formats.