New Zealand's Kristian Clarke ruled out of Bangladesh tour, Ben Lister named as replacement

New Zealand have been dealt with an injury ahead of their limited-overs tour of Bangladesh, with all-rounder Kristian Clarke ruled out. The 25-year-old suffered a split webbing in his right hand while attempting a catch during the second one-day game for New Zealand A against Sri Lanka A earlier this week.

Clarke recently made his international debut against India earlier this year, featuring in both ODI and T20I series on the tour. He has been replaced by Ben Lister, who’s also a part of the ongoing New Zealand A tour to Sri Lanka.

The left-arm speedster last played for New Zealand in 2024 during a T20I against Pakistan and has represented his country in three ODIs and 12 T20Is, with 15 wickets in total. 

Meanwhile, fast bowler Ben Sears will also miss the ODI series on the tour, as he’s been signed by Rawalpindiz for the ongoing Pakistan Super League 2026 (PSL 2026) as an overseas replacement. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) will not name a replacement for Sears as he’s set to join the squad for the T20 series.

The 28-year-old will be available from the second T20I onwards as Rawalpindiz are unlikely to make it to the playoffs, after losing their first four matches.

Bangladesh will host New Zealand for a three-match ODI series and as many T20Is, beginning on April 17. The timing of the matches has also been rescheduled to support the Bangladesh government’s initiative of energy saving amid the global fuel crisis.

New Zealand squad for ODI series: Tom Latham (c), Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Ben Lister, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver, Dean Foxcroft, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young.

New Zealand squad for T20I series: Tom Latham (c), Katene Clarke, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Bevon Jacobs, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner.