Bangladesh vs New Zealand Today's Match Prediction, 1st T20I - Who will win today’s match?
Tom Latham and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Source: BCB)
Published - 26 Apr 2026, 02:14 PM• Read time - 12 mins
After a gap of 146 days, Bangladesh return to the shortest format of the game, as they prepare to test themselves in the first of the three-match T20I series against New Zealand at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram on Monday, April 27.
Bangladesh clinched the recently concluded ODI series 2-1. But they won't have the luxury of their three experienced pacers (Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana and Taskin Ahmed) in the first two matches as they are advised rest as a part of the workload management.
In their absence, the responsibility of the pace department will lie on the shoulders of Tanzim Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin and Shoriful Islam. Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain and off-break bowler Mahedi Hasan will look after the spin department.
Meanwhile, New Zealand, just like the ODIs, are without most of their first-choice players. Therefore, this series presents them with another opportunity to test their bench strength and build a pool of players ahead of the next T20 World Cup.
BAN vs NZ Match Info
| Date | Fixture | Match No | Venue | Start time (Local time) |
| Monday, April 27 | Bangladesh vs New Zealand | 1st T20I | Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, Chattogram | 2:00 PM |
Venue Statistics (T20I)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 33 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 16 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 17 (including one tie won by team bowling first) |
| No Result | 0 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 150 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 132 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 207/5 (19.2) by BAN vs IRE, 2023 |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 39/10 (10.3) by NED vs SL, 2014 |
| Highest Score Chased | 190 (190/4 in 19.2 overs) by ENG vs SL, 2014 |
| Lowest Score Defended | 119 by Sri Lanka vs New Zealand in 2014 |
Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium Pitch Report and Playing Conditions:
| Aspect | Batters | Pacers | Spinners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Assistance | Good | Average | Favourable |
| Bounce | Good | Decent | Decent |
| Movement/turn | Good | Minimal after powerplay | Good |
| Best Phase | Almost Throughout | Powerplay | Middle Overs |
BAN vs NZ Head-to-Head record (T20Is)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 20 |
| Bangladesh | 4 |
| New Zealand | 15 |
| No Result | 1 |
Bangladesh vs New Zealand Playing XI Prediction
Bangladesh
Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hassan, Litton Das (c, wk), Parvez Hossain, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Tanzim Hasan, Shoriful Islam
New Zealand
Tom Latham (c, wk), Katene Clarke, Dane Cleaver, Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs, Dean Foxcroft, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, Jayden Lennox, Ish Sodhi, Ben Lister/Matt Fisher
Players to watch out for:
Rishad Hossain
It's rare for a spinner from Bangladesh to earn a stint in the Big Bash League (BBL), but Rishad Hossain made it happen in the 2025-26 season. He represented the defending champions, Hobart Hurricanes and was successful for them. In 12 BBL games, Rishad snared 15 scalps at an economy rate of 7.82 and was among their leading wicket-takers. He has developed a lot of control over his flight and variations and would be a threat to the Kiwis.
Katene Clarke
For the unversed, Clarke finished as the leading run-getter in the 2025-26 season of the Super Smash. Clarke's stellar run saw him aggregate 431 runs in 10 games at an average of 61.57 and a strike rate of 171.71, including a ton and three fifties. He would be itching to leave an impression after he couldn't make a mark in his debut series against South Africa.
Today's Match Prediction: Bangladesh to win
Disclaimer: This prediction is based on current form, team balance, and available match data. Cricket remains unpredictable, and actual results may vary.
