In the wake of the spirited battle at the ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, the Bangladesh cricket team is gearing up to welcome New Zealand for the inaugural Test match of their series at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet. The clash, which commences on Tuesday, November 28, also marks the beginning of both teams’ journeys in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25.
The Kiwi squad is setting foot on the red-ball cricket stage after an eight-month hiatus, with former captain Kane Williamson making his comeback. Tim Southee, the pacer, is ready to lead the bowling front alongside Kyle Jamieson, who is returning from a long-term injury. Although the visitors are expected to capitalize on their robust pace attack, the subcontinental conditions make it likely that their spinners will play a pivotal role in Sylhet. With Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner, and Ajaz Patel competing for the spots in the spin department, and the emerging all-rounder Rachin Ravindra offering an additional spin option, New Zealand’s bowling attack promises a diverse challenge.
Bangladesh, who previously secured a magnificent victory against New Zealand in the Mount Maunganui Test last year, will miss the expertise of their stellar batter Litton Das this season. The Kiwis, having triumphed in four out of their last five Test matches against their hosts, are anticipated to leverage their past success to assert dominance in the upcoming two-match series.
The pitch at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, renowned for its supportive nature to bowlers across different formats, is set to play a crucial role in the upcoming encounter. Recalling the one and only Test played on this ground in 2018, Bangladesh faced defeat against Zimbabwe in a game where neither side could surpass the 300-run mark in an innings. The spinners are expected to revel in the conditions, gaining significant turn from the first day. Given this characteristic, the teams will undoubtedly vie for the opportunity to bat first should they win the toss.
Historically, the statistics at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium reveal a preference for batting first, with the average first innings score standing at 282. The remaining innings revolve around much lower averages, descending as low as 143 in the second innings, indicative of the degradation of the pitch over time. Zimbabwe’s highest total of 282/10 against Bangladesh stands as a testament to its challenging conditions.
As preparation for the match intensifies, both squads have been announced. Bangladesh’s team, captained by Najmul Hossain Shanto, features a blend of experience and emerging talents including names such as Mushfiqur Rahim and Taijul Islam. On the New Zealand front, Tim Southee leads a well-rounded squad featuring Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Tom Latham.
As excitement builds for the upcoming series, fans in India can stay updated with the squads, schedule, and live streaming details for the BAN vs NZ Test series 2023. With engaging personalities and cricketing feats, such as Shreyas Iyer honoring Max Verstappen with an India World Cup jersey, the arena of cricket is abound with stories, thrilling prospects, and enduring legacies awaiting their next chapter in Sylhet.