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The Stage is Set for an Exciting Test Series. After being delayed due to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, New Zealand is scheduled to begin their tour of Bangladesh once again. The Kiwis are ready for a two-test series that begins on Tuesday, November 28 after winning the three-match ODI series 2-0 (with the first match being washed out). A noteworthy event is that left-handed batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto of Bangladesh has been named test captain. Building on his previous experience captaining at the ODI Cricket World Cup in India while Shakib Al Hasan was injured, this is Shanto's first time leading the test team.
The first Test match between Bangladesh and New Zealand will be played at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet from November 28th to December 2nd. This will be the first time that New Zealand will be playing a Test match in Sylhet.
Unfortunately, pacer Taskin Ahmed will not be available for Bangladesh as he begins his recuperation from a shoulder injury. The normal Test captain, Shakib Al Hasan, is also sidelined following a finger injury he suffered during the World Cup match against Sri Lanka.
New Zealand New Zealand is currently ranked number 4 in the ICC Test Rankings. They come into this series after a 3-0 series win against Sri Lanka in July. The Kiwis have a strong batting line-up with Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Tom Blundell being their key players. They also have a good bowling attack with Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Neil Wagner being their main strike bowlers.
Bangladesh Bangladesh is currently ranked number 9 in the ICC Test Rankings. They come into this series after winning a one-off Test match against Afghanistan in June. The Tigers have a good batting line-up with Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Liton Das being their key players. They also have a decent bowling attack with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, and Khaled Ahmed being their main strike bowlers.
Head to Head New Zealand has a good head-to-head record against Bangladesh in Test cricket. They have won 11 matches, lost 6 matches, and drawn 1 match.
Date: 28th November to 2nd December 2023
Venue: Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet
Predictions: New Zealand is expected to start the series as favorites. However, Bangladesh is a team that is always capable of upsetting the odds. The first Test match is expected to be a close contest.
Key Players to Watch
