DHAKA, April 19, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh are aiming for a swift comeback as 
they take on New Zealand in a must-win second ODI of the three-match series 
at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium tomorrow (Monday). The match is 
scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM.

The hosts trail 0-1 after suffering a 26-run defeat in the opening game, 
turning the second encounter into a virtual 'do or die' clash. 

Despite being favourites and chasing a modest 248 on a familiar surface, 
Bangladesh faltered due to a poor batting display and a lack of intent in key 
moments.

Pacer Shoriful Islam, however, remains optimistic, backing the batting unit 
to bounce back strongly.
 
"I hope the batters will come back strongly in the next match, and we'll 
support each other. That's how cricket works," he said.

Shoriful also stressed the importance of improving with the ball to ease 
pressure on the batters.

 "If we had bowled a bit better in the first game, things might have been 
easier for the batters. Hopefully, as a bowling unit, we will perform better 
to make things easier," he added.

Drafted into the XI at the last moment due to a knee discomfort to Mustafizur 
Rahman, Shoriful made an impressive return to ODI cricket, which was his 
first appearance since December 2024 by claiming 2-27 in 10 overs.

His performance now presents a selection dilemma, with Mustafizur reportedly 
fit again.

If Mustafizur makes a comeback in the second ODI, Bangladesh would have to 
bring a change to the squad. 

New Zealand, meanwhile, are eyeing a series-clinching victory and are 
unlikely to make major changes. Pacer Nathan Smith emphasized the importance 
of adapting to conditions and managing workload.

"A series victory would be huge. We want to adapt to foreign conditions and 
build depth. Success here gives the group confidence moving forward," he 
said. 

"It's tougher bowling first in the heat. Short spells and teamwork will be 
key. The toss could be crucial-batting first and applying pressure later 
might be the way."

New Zealand's recent record in Bangladesh adds to their confidence. They 
secured a 2-1 series win in 2023-their first in the country since 2013-
demonstrating their ability to challenge the hosts even in spin-friendly 
conditions.

Historically, the visitors have dominated the ODI rivalry, winning 35 of the 
47 matches played between the two sides, while Bangladesh have won 11, with 
one match ending in no result.

Squad:

Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid 
Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Liton Kumer Das, Afif 
Hossain, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur 
Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana

New Zealand: Tom Latham(Captain), Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, 
Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver, Dean Foxcroft, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Henry 
Nicholls, Will O'Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner and Will 
Young.