The Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka will once again be in the spotlight as Bangladesh take on New Zealand in the second ODI of the three-match series on Sunday, April 19.

The hosts will be looking to bounce back after a defeat in the opening clash of the series and keep the contest alive.

BAN vs NZ match preview

Bangladesh, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, produced a disciplined bowling performance in the previous match but fell just short in the chase. The batting unit showed glimpses of promise with Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy looking solid in the middle order, but the lack of support from the lower order ultimately cost them the game.

The hosts will now need a more complete batting effort if they want to level the series.

In the bowling department, Bangladesh were largely impressive as a collective unit. The bowlers kept things tight and created pressure throughout the innings, but they will now be expected to maintain that intensity and deliver another strong performance in the second ODI.

Meanwhile, New Zealand will come into this contest with confidence after a solid all-round display in the series opener.

Henry Nicholls stood out with a composed and match-winning knock, while Dean Foxcroft and Nathan Smith also chipped in with useful contributions. Their batting effort was controlled and effective, especially under pressure.

With the ball, New Zealand were equally disciplined while defending a modest total. Blair Tickner and Nathan Smith played a crucial role in breaking the Bangladesh batting lineup and the visitors will once again rely on their pace attack to deliver in similar conditions.

BAN vs NZ head-to-head record

• Matches Played: 62
• Bangladesh won: 9
• New Zealand won: 52
• Tie/No Result: 1

BAN vs NZ key players

Saif Hassan – The right-handed batsman played a crucial innings in the previous match and showed great composure at the top.

Bangladesh will once again depend heavily on him to provide a strong start and anchor the innings.

Henry Nicholls – The experienced New Zealand batsman was the standout performer in the last game with a match-winning knock.

Given his experience and temperament, he will once again play a key role in guiding the innings.

Rishad Hossain – The young leg-spinner has impressed with his control and ability to maintain tight lines. He showed flashes of brilliance in the previous match and will be an important part of Bangladesh’s bowling attack.

Blair Tickner – The New Zealand pacer played a decisive role in the previous victory with his wicket-taking ability and control in pressure situations. His performance with the new ball will be crucial again.

BAN vs NZ predicted playing XI

Bangladesh: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Rishad Hossain, Afif Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam.

New Zealand: Will Young, Tom Latham (c & wk), Henry Nicholls, Nick Kelly, Muhammad Abbas, Dean Foxcroft, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Jayden Lennox, William O’Rourke

BAN vs NZ match prediction

Bangladesh have several established names in their squad and playing at home will always give them a slight advantage. Conditions in Dhaka can also play a key role, especially if the pitch assists spin as the match progresses.

On the other hand, New Zealand arrived with a young but confident squad that has already shown strong intent in the opening match. Their all-round performance in the first ODI reflected their depth and adaptability.

Overall, it is a closely matched contest, but New Zealand appear to have a slight edge based on their current form and balance in both departments.

Prediction: New Zealand to win the match.

Keith Dibb: He watched Sir Donald Bradman bat as a boy and he is still umpiring today at 90