NZ vs BAN: Bangladesh's Predicted Playing XI vs New Zealand, New Zealand vs Bangladesh 2022, First Test

After suffering a 2-0 defeat in the home Test series against Pakistan, Bangladesh are set to play as many Tests against New Zealand in their own backyard. For the unversed, Bangladesh have never won a Test match against New Zealand.

They would be looking to end that losing streak. It won’t be easy though, given that Shakib Al Hasan isn’t available for the series. Here’s a look at our predicted playing XI of Bangladesh for the first Test against New Zealand.

NZ vs BAN: Bangladesh’s Predicted Playing XI vs New Zealand, New Zealand vs Bangladesh 2022, First Test

Openers: S Islam and M Hasan Joy

Shadnam Islam had a forgettable series against Pakistan. And also, he got out on a duck in the 2-day Practice Match recently in New Zealand.

His recent form doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence but the management is likely to back him for the first Test against the Blackcaps. His partner, M Hasan Joy played a solid 66-run knock in the practice match. That knock would have given him a lot of confidence going into the first Test.

Middle-order: N Hassan Shanto, M Haque (C), Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das (WK)

Bangladesh’s strength lies in the middle-order. The onus for scoring the bulk of the runs will be on skipper M Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Liton Das. The former has been in stellar form. He enjoyed a great outing in the last Test series against Pakistan.

He was the second-highest run-scorer in the series. Mushfiqur Rahim also had a decent outing, having scored 160 in 2 Tests at 40.00. Skipper M Haque too, needs to come good with the bat if Bangladesh fancies a win in the first Test.

All-rounders: Mehidy Hasan

Mehidy Hasan’s recent form with the ball will strengthen his case of making it into the playing XI. He is an experienced customer and is also handy with the bat. He provides balance to Bangladesh’s team.

Bowlers: Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Abu Jayed, Taskin Ahmed

Taijul Islam was outstanding with the ball in the home Test series against Pakistan. In 2 Tests, he picked 10 wickets at 27.80. However, he might not as effective in the seaming conditions of New Zealand. Besides, Bangladesh are expected to come up with at least three seamers in Khaled Ahmed, Abu Jayed, Taskin Ahmed.

All three have an important role to play in New Zealand. Abu Jayed picked three wickets in the recent 2-day practice match, while Taksin Ahmed picked two.