CHITTAGONG, April 21, 2026 — Bangladesh national cricket team have strengthened their pace attack by including Tanzim Hasan Sakib in the squad for the third and final one-day international against New Zealand national cricket team, set to be played in Chattogram on Thursday.
The 23-year-old fast bowler missed Bangladesh’s previous series against Pakistan due to a back injury and was not included in the playing XI for the first two ODIs against New Zealand, with the series currently level at 1-1.
His return comes as Bangladesh look to further bolster a pace unit that has already made a strong impact in the series, particularly through Nahid Rana, who produced a match-winning five-wicket haul in the second ODI on Monday.
New Zealand were restricted to 198 in Dhaka, with only Nick Kelly offering resistance with a top score of 83. Bangladesh chased the target comfortably, powered by half-centuries from Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Kelly praised Rana’s performance after the match, highlighting his pace and consistency on a surface that offered movement and bounce.
“He’s a really exciting young talent. He bowls with good pace and used the conditions well,” Kelly said, noting Rana’s ability to maintain speeds above 145 km/h under hot conditions.
Bangladesh selectors have now expanded their squad to 16 players for the series decider, seeking to maximise bowling depth and maintain momentum heading into the final match.
Squad depth has been a key focus for Bangladesh in recent months as they continue to build a more competitive white-ball unit, with a mix of experienced players and emerging pacers.
Bangladesh squad: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
The series opener was won by New Zealand by 26 runs in Dhaka, while Bangladesh levelled the contest with a six-wicket victory in the second ODI, setting up a decisive third match in Chattogram.