DHAKA: The newly formed selection panel, headed by Habibul Bashar, has opted for stability by naming an unchanged 15-man squad for the first two matches of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The squad is the same one that secured a 2-1 series victory over Pakistan last month. The first two ODIs are scheduled for April 17 and 20 in Dhaka, followed by the series finale in Chattogram on April 23.

Under the captaincy of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the selectors have doubled down on struggling youngsters Saif Hassan and Afif Hossain, despite their underwhelming averages of 17.33 and 19.00, respectively, in the previous series. Habibul Bashar emphasized that the panel is committed to a policy of “adequate opportunities,” stating that three matches are insufficient to judge a player’s potential. “We believe in continuity,” Bashar remarked, specifically noting that Saif Hassan needs more time to settle the opening position before any drastic changes are considered.

The team will also maintain its frontline pace battery, featuring Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam, moving away from the recent trend of rotation. Currently, five squad members—Nahid, Mustafizur, Shoriful, Rishad Hossain, and Tanzid Hasan—are participating in PSL 2026 in Pakistan. They are expected to join the national camp by April 12. Following the ODI leg, the two nations are set to compete in a three-match T20I series.

Bangladesh ODI Squad:
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das (wk), Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.