Bangladesh to host New Zealand for three ODIs ahead of World Cup

This will be New Zealand's first ODI and Test series in Bangladesh after 2013.

Published - 17 Aug 2023, 14:33 IST | Updated - 17 Aug 2023, 15:35 IST

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New Zealand are gearing up for a long-awaited tour to Bangladesh, which is a significant moment as it is the first time the two teams are going to clash since 2013. The white-ball series, consisting of three ODIs, holds major importance for both teams as they fine-tune their strategies ahead of the upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, as the series will serve as a warm-up for the marquee event.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has unveiled a complete schedule for the Blackcaps' tour, comprising both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Test matches. The Test leg of the series, which will be part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle, is scheduled for November-December, after the conclusion of the World Cup.

"The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the itinerary for New Zealand's tour which includes three ODIs and two Tests and will be played on either side of the ICC Cricket World Cup India 2023. This will be New Zealand's first ODI and Test series in Bangladesh after 2013. The Tests are a part of the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship and the first WTC series for Bangladesh in the new cycle," BCB said in a statement.

The tour is slated to kick off on September 21 with the first ODI taking place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The remaining ODIs are scheduled for September at the same venue. As for the Test matches, the dates are set for late November and early December, with the specific venues yet to be announced.

Notably, the Blackcaps will also feature prominently in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023. Their campaign begins on October 5 against reigning champions England in the curtain-raiser in Ahmedabad. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will commence their journey on October 7 against Afghanistan in Dharamsala.