The stage is set for a riveting encounter as Bangladesh welcomes New Zealand to the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium for the inaugural clash of their two-match Test series. Marking the beginning of both teams’ journey in the 2023-2025 World Test Championship cycle, the action kicks off on Tuesday, November 28, with the first ball set to be bowled at 9:00 AM IST.
Captained by Najmul Hossain Shanto in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh eyes a positive outset despite coming off a lackluster ODI World Cup campaign, where they managed only two victories out of nine outings. This series provides a chance for redirection—a move to a format that could bring out the best in a side that prides itself on home soil dominance.
The toss has swung in favor of Bangladesh, and without hesitation, Najmul Hossain Shanto has elected to bat first, setting the tone for what many anticipate to be a fascinating day of cricket. The hosts have named an intriguing playing XI, handing a Test debut to Shahadat Hossain and placing faith in the likes of Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque to bolster their batting in the absence of regular members.
Meanwhile, the Kiwis, who rode high as the World Test Championship winners of 2021, are at full strength and are prepared to adapt to the subcontinent’s conditions they’ve previously tackled with skill, losing only one of their last four Tests on such pitches. Led by Tim Southee, the bowling attack is set to feature the potent combination of pace and spin, with Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi providing the latter. The batting responsibility rests on seasoned professionals such as Kane Williamson and Devon Conway to navigate Bangladeshi pitches renowned for testing even the most skilled.
As Bangladesh aims to overcome the ODI World Cup blues, challenging the formidable New Zealanders will be no simple task. The visiting side comes equipped with a blend of experience and victory-scented confidence that only a World Cup high can bring. With spin expected to play a crucial part, New Zealand’s chosen trio of Mitch Santner, Ajaz Patel, and Ish Sodhi may prove pivotal in the outcome of the day’s play.
However, New Zealand’s esteem cannot overshadow Bangladesh’s growing stature in Test cricket, particularly on their turf. With the support of the home crowd and conditions they know intimately, the hosts stand a genuine chance at causing an upset. Shoriful Islam, Taijul Islam, and Mehidy Hasan will be amongst the bowlers tasked with dismantling the visitor’s batting lineup, which has no shortage of firepower.
The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium serves as the backdrop for this intriguing duel. Bangladesh will be desperate to leverage every ounce of their home-ground advantage to assert themselves against a New Zealand team that’s proven adept at competing away from their pastures.
Both teams are poised on the brink of their respective campaigns, eager to notch early points on the championship table. This test series not only presents an opportunity for redemption but also lays the foundation for the grueling season ahead. As the players take the field on this pivotal match day, it will be the blend of strategy, skill, and a touch of fortune that will determine who draws first blood in the series.
The anticipation is palpable, the players are ready, and the fans are eagerly waiting to unfold who will be in the ascendancy at the end of Day 1. It’s more than just a game; it’s the start of a grueling test of cricket where heroes will rise, and epic tales will be scripted. Join us as we witness history in the making in the heart of Sylhet, where two cricketing realms collide.