DHAKA, April 17, 2026 — New Zealand defeated Bangladesh by 26 runs in the first One-Day International at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on Friday, taking a 1-0 lead in the series after a disciplined all-round performance.
Defending a modest total of 247, New Zealand bowled out Bangladesh for 221 in 49 overs, overturning a strong middle-order recovery by the hosts with a clinical late bowling display.
Blair Tickner led the charge with figures of 4-40, while Nathan Smith supported with 3-45 as Bangladesh collapsed from a promising 184-4 to lose their remaining six wickets for just 37 runs.
Bangladesh’s chase had been revived after early setbacks, with Saif Hassan and Litton Das putting on a 93-run partnership to steady the innings. At 124-3 midway through the chase, the hosts appeared well placed to overhaul the target.
However, New Zealand’s bowlers applied sustained pressure in the latter stages, capitalising on key breakthroughs to derail the chase. Despite contributions from Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy and Afif Hossain, Bangladesh failed to build a match-winning partnership in the closing overs.
Earlier, New Zealand posted 247-8 after being put in to bat, recovering from a cautious start on a slow Mirpur surface. The visitors managed just 38 runs in the first 10 overs as Bangladesh’s pace attack, led by Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam, kept the scoring in check.
Henry Nicholls anchored the innings with a patient 68, while Dean Foxcroft added a crucial 59 to stabilise the middle order after New Zealand slipped to 131-4. A late contribution from Nathan Smith helped push the total to a competitive level.
Foxcroft was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance, having contributed with both bat and ball, including the key wicket of Litton Das.
New Zealand captain Tom Latham said the decision to bat first proved decisive, noting that the pitch became more difficult for batting as the match progressed. He praised his team’s ability to build partnerships and defend a challenging total.
Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz acknowledged missed opportunities, particularly dropped catches, which allowed New Zealand to post a competitive score. He also cited the lack of a strong finishing effort in the chase as a key factor in the defeat.
The second ODI is scheduled for April 20 in Dhaka, where Bangladesh will look to level the series.