by The Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline is a captivating journey through the evolution of international cricket.
This rivalry, spanning over two decades, showcases the growth of Bangladesh from cricketing underdogs to formidable competitors while highlighting New Zealand’s consistent excellence on the global stage.
From their first encounter in 1997 to recent nail-biting contests, this timeline is filled with memorable moments, historic upsets, and the emergence of cricketing stars.
As we delve into this rich history, we’ll explore how the dynamics between these two teams have shifted over time.
We’ll witness Bangladesh’s transformation from newcomers struggling to find their footing to a team capable of challenging the best.
Simultaneously, we’ll see how New Zealand has maintained its status as a cricketing powerhouse, adapting to new challenges and consistently performing at the highest level.
Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline
This timeline isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s a testament to the spirit of cricket, the power of perseverance, and the unpredictable nature of sports.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the Bangladesh national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team timeline offers a fascinating glimpse into the heart of international cricket.
The Early Years (1990s – 2000s)
1997: The First Encounter
On October 12, 1997, Bangladesh and New Zealand met for the first time in an official ODI match during the Coca-Cola Champions Trophy in Sharjah, UAE. This match marked the beginning of what would become an intriguing cricketing relationship.
Match Details:
- Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE
- Result: New Zealand won by 104 runs
- Key Performers:
- New Zealand: Nathan Astle (101 runs)
- Bangladesh: Athar Ali Khan (47 runs)
Significance: This match was Bangladesh’s first against a Test-playing nation other than Pakistan, India, or Sri Lanka. While the result was a comfortable win for New Zealand, it provided valuable experience for the fledgling Bangladesh team.
2001: Bangladesh’s Test Debut against New Zealand
Bangladesh’s journey in Test cricket against New Zealand began on November 10, 2001, at Seddon Park, Hamilton. This match was part of Bangladesh’s first overseas Test series since gaining Test status in 2000.
Match Details:
- Dates: November 10-13, 2001
- Venue: Seddon Park, Hamilton, New Zealand
- Result: New Zealand won by an innings and 52 runs
- Key Performers:
- Bangladesh: Aminul Islam (79 runs), Mohammad Ashraful (41 runs in the second innings)
- New Zealand: Mark Richardson (145 runs), Daniel Vettori (4 wickets)
Significance: Despite the loss, Bangladesh showed glimpses of potential. Aminul Islam’s resilient 79 in challenging conditions was a highlight for the visitors.
2004: New Zealand’s First Tour of Bangladesh
In October 2004, New Zealand embarked on their first-ever tour of Bangladesh, playing a three-match ODI series.
Series Details:
- Dates: October 19-31, 2004
- Result: New Zealand won the series 3-0
- Key Performers:
- New Zealand: Hamish Marshall (177 runs in the series)
- Bangladesh: Aftab Ahmed (110 runs in the series)
Significance: While New Zealand dominated, the series was crucial for Bangladesh’s development, providing them with experience against a top-tier team in home conditions.
The Rise of Bangladesh (2007-2010)
2007: World Cup Upset
The 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup witnessed one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history when Bangladesh defeated New Zealand.
Match Details:
- Date: April 2, 2007
- Venue: Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua
- Result: Bangladesh won by 2 wickets
- Key Performance: Mohammad Ashraful (87 runs off 83 balls)
Significance: This victory was a watershed moment for Bangladesh cricket. It proved they could compete with and beat top teams on the world stage.
2008: Closer Contests
The Bangladesh tour of New Zealand in 2008 showed signs of improvement in the visitors’ performance, especially in ODIs.
Series Details:
- Dates: December 26, 2007 – January 10, 2008
- Results:
- Tests: New Zealand won 2-0
- ODIs: New Zealand won 3-0
- Notable Performance: Tamim Iqbal’s 128 in the 3rd ODI
Significance: Despite the series loss, Bangladesh’s competitiveness, particularly Tamim Iqbal’s century, indicated their growing stature in international cricket.
2010: Bangladesh’s First ODI Win at Home
October 5, 2010, marked a significant milestone in this rivalry when Bangladesh secured their first ODI victory against New Zealand on home soil.
Match Details:
- Event: 4th ODI of New Zealand’s tour of Bangladesh
- Venue: Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
- Result: Bangladesh won by 9 runs
- Key Performers:
- Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan (58 runs, 4 wickets)
- New Zealand: Daniel Vettori (3 wickets)
Significance: This victory was a turning point, demonstrating Bangladesh’s ability to challenge New Zealand consistently, especially in familiar conditions.
Competitive Era (2011-2016)
2013: Bangladesh’s Improved Performance
The 2013 tour of New Zealand saw Bangladesh putting up a more competitive show, especially in the ODI series.
Series Details:
- Dates: October-November 2013
- Results:
- ODIs: New Zealand won 3-0
- T20I: New Zealand won 1-0
- Highlight: Bangladesh’s near-miss in the 2nd ODI, losing by just 15 runs
Analysis: The narrow margin in the 2nd ODI reflected Bangladesh’s growing ability to challenge New Zealand, even in away conditions.
2016: Close Encounters
The 2016-17 Bangladesh tour of New Zealand was a testament to their improving Test cricket skills.
Series Details:
- Dates: December 26, 2016 – January 23, 2017
- Results:
- Tests: New Zealand won 2-0
- ODIs: New Zealand won 3-0
- T20Is: New Zealand won 3-0
- Notable Performance: Shakib Al Hasan’s 217 in the 1st Test
Analysis: While the series results favored New Zealand, Bangladesh’s performances, particularly in Test matches, showed significant improvement.
Shakib Al Hasan’s double century was a highlight, showcasing Bangladesh’s ability to produce world-class performances.
Recent Years (2017-Present)
2017: Bangladesh’s Historic Chase
In a warm-up match for the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, Bangladesh achieved a remarkable victory against New Zealand.
Match Details:
- Date: May 24, 2017
- Venue: The Oval, London
- Result: Bangladesh won by 5 wickets
- Highlight: Bangladesh successfully chased down 341 runs
Significance: This chase demonstrated Bangladesh’s growing confidence and batting prowess, setting the tone for more competitive encounters.
2019: World Cup Thriller
The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup match between Bangladesh and New Zealand was a nail-biting affair.
Match Details:
- Date: June 5, 2019
- Venue: The Oval, London
- Result: New Zealand won by 2 wickets
- Key Performances:
- Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan (64 runs)
- New Zealand: Ross Taylor (82 runs)
Analysis: The close nature of this match underlined how far Bangladesh had come in competing with top teams like New Zealand on the global stage.
2021: Bangladesh’s First T20I Win
September 1, 2021, marked another milestone in this rivalry when Bangladesh secured their first-ever T20I victory against New Zealand.
Match Details:
- Event: 1st T20I, New Zealand tour of Bangladesh
- Venue: Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
- Result: Bangladesh won by 7 wickets
Significance: This victory completed Bangladesh’s set of wins against New Zealand across all formats, showcasing their all-round improvement.
Key Players in the Rivalry
Bangladesh
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Role: All-rounder
- Key Stats:
- Tests: 368 runs, 23 wickets
- ODIs: 846 runs, 34 wickets
- T20Is: 210 runs, 14 wickets
- Impact: Shakib’s all-round abilities have often been the difference-maker for Bangladesh.
- Tamim Iqbal
- Role: Opening Batsman
- Key Stat: 1,033 runs in ODIs against New Zealand
- Notable Innings: 128 (2008, Queenstown)
- Impact: Tamim’s aggressive batting at the top has frequently provided Bangladesh with strong starts.
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Role: Wicketkeeper-Batsman
- Key Stat: Most dismissals by a Bangladesh keeper against New Zealand (37 in ODIs)
- Impact: Rahim’s consistency with both bat and gloves has been crucial in Bangladesh’s improved performances.
New Zealand
- Kane Williamson
- Role: Batsman, Captain
- Key Stat: Average of 76.62 in Tests against Bangladesh
- Impact: Williamson’s leadership and batting prowess have been central to New Zealand’s successes.
- Ross Taylor
- Role: Middle-order Batsman
- Key Stat: 1,186 runs in ODIs against Bangladesh
- Notable Innings: 181* (2018, Dunedin)
- Impact: Taylor’s experience and ability to play long innings have often been the backbone of New Zealand’s batting.
- Trent Boult
- Role: Fast Bowler
- Key Stat: 33 wickets in Tests against Bangladesh
- Impact: Boult’s swing bowling has consistently troubled Bangladesh batsmen, especially in New Zealand conditions.
Head-to-Head Statistics
| Format | Matches Played | Bangladesh Wins | New Zealand Wins | Ties/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 15 | 0 | 12 | 3 (Drawn) |
| ODIs | 38 | 10 | 28 | 0 |
| T20Is | 13 | 2 | 11 | 0 |
Analysis: While New Zealand has dominated the overall head-to-head, Bangladesh’s improving record, especially in ODIs and T20Is, reflects their growth as a cricketing nation.
Memorable Matches
1. 2007 World Cup Upset
- Date: April 2, 2007
- Venue: Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua
- Result: Bangladesh won by 2 wickets
- Key Moments:
- Mohammad Ashraful’s blistering 87 off 83 balls
- Bangladesh’s lower order holding its nerve to chase down 245
Impact: This victory announced Bangladesh’s arrival as a force to be reckoned with in world cricket.
2. 2010 ODI Series in Bangladesh
- Date: October 5, 2010
- Venue: Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
- Result: Bangladesh won by 9 runs
- Key Performances:
- Shakib Al Hasan’s all-round show (58 runs and 4 wickets)
- Rubel Hossain’s crucial last over
Significance: This win marked Bangladesh’s growing ability to compete and win against top teams in home conditions.
3. 2017 Champions Trophy Warm-up Match
- Date: May 24, 2017
- Venue: The Oval, London
- Result: Bangladesh won by 5 wickets
- Highlight: Bangladesh successfully chased down 341 runs
- Key Performances:
- Mushfiqur Rahim (75* off 61 balls)
- Tamim Iqbal (65 off 57 balls)
Impact: This high-scoring chase demonstrated Bangladesh’s improved batting prowess and ability to handle pressure situations.
4. 2019 World Cup Match
- Date: June 5, 2019
- Venue: The Oval, London
- Result: New Zealand won by 2 wickets
- Key Moments:
- Ross Taylor’s crucial 82
- Mitchell Santner’s last-over boundary to seal the win
Analysis: This thriller showcased how closely matched the two teams had become, with the game going down to the wire.
5. 2021 T20I Series in Bangladesh
- Date: September 1, 2021
- Venue: Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
- Result: Bangladesh won by 7 wickets
- Key Performance: Mustafizur Rahman’s 3/13
Significance: This victory completed Bangladesh’s set of wins against New Zealand across all formats, marking a new chapter in their cricketing journey.
Venue Analysis
| Venue | Matches | Bangladesh Wins | New Zealand Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka | 15 | 5 | 10 |
| Basin Reserve, Wellington | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| Seddon Park, Hamilton | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Neutral Venues | 8 | 3 | 5 |
Analysis:
- Bangladesh’s performance improves significantly in home conditions, with a third of their wins coming at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium.
- New Zealand maintains a strong record across all venues, showcasing its adaptability.
- Bangladesh’s improved performance in neutral venues indicates its growing competitiveness on the global stage.
Series Results
Bilateral Series in Bangladesh
| Year | Format | Result | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | ODI | New Zealand won 3-0 | NZ: Hamish Marshall, BD: Aftab Ahmed |
| 2008 | ODI | New Zealand won 2-1 | NZ: Daniel Vettori, BD: Shakib Al Hasan |
| 2010 | ODI | Bangladesh won 4-0 | BD: Shakib Al Hasan, NZ: Daniel Vettori |
| 2013 | T20I | New Zealand won 1-0 | NZ: Tim Southee, BD: Mushfiqur Rahim |
| 2021 | T20I | Bangladesh won 3-2 | BD: Nasum Ahmed, NZ: Tom Latham |
Bilateral Series in New Zealand
| Year | Format | Result | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Test | New Zealand won 2-0 | NZ: Mark Richardson, BD: Aminul Islam |
| 2007 | ODI | New Zealand won 3-0 | NZ: Scott Styris, BD: Tamim Iqbal |
| 2010 | Test | New Zealand won 2-0 | NZ: Tim Southee, BD: Mahmudullah |
| 2016 | Test | New Zealand won 2-0 | NZ: Kane Williamson, BD: Shakib Al Hasan |
| 2019 | ODI | New Zealand won 3-0 | NZ: Martin Guptill, BD: Mohammad Mithun |
Analysis:
- Bangladesh’s improvement is evident in the home series, particularly in limited-overs formats.
- New Zealand maintains dominance in home conditions across all formats.
- The emergence of key performers for Bangladesh (like Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal) has been crucial in their improved performances.
Evolution of the Rivalry
Phase 1: New Zealand Dominance (1997-2006)
- Characterized by New Zealand’s clear superiority
- Bangladesh struggling to compete at the international level
- Key Stats: Bangladesh won 0 out of 12 matches across formats during this period
Analysis: This phase was crucial for Bangladesh’s learning curve. Despite the losses, it provided valuable experience against a top-tier team, laying the foundation for future improvement.
Phase 2: Bangladesh’s Emergence (2007-2015)
- Marked by Bangladesh’s first major upset in the 2007 World Cup
- Increased competitiveness in home conditions
- Key Stats: Bangladesh won 5 out of 25 matches across formats during this period
Analysis: This phase saw Bangladesh transition from underdogs to occasional giant killers. The 2007 World Cup victory was a turning point, boosting confidence and showcasing potential.
Phase 3: Narrowing Gap (2016-Present)
- Bangladesh becoming more competitive across all formats
- Closer contests, especially in limited-overs cricket
- Key Stats: Bangladesh won 7 out of 29 matches across formats during this period
Analysis: This ongoing phase represents Bangladesh’s maturation as a cricketing nation. The increased frequency of wins and close contests indicates a more balanced rivalry.
Impact on World Cricket
- Rise of Bangladesh Cricket:
- The rivalry has played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s growth from minnows to competitive force.
- Bangladesh’s improved performances against New Zealand have contributed to their rise in ICC rankings.
- Unpredictability in International Cricket:
- Bangladesh’s ability to challenge and occasionally defeat New Zealand has added excitement to international cricket.
- The rivalry has contributed to the notion that on any given day, any team can win, enhancing cricket’s global appeal.
- Development of Players:
- For Bangladesh: Players like Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, and Mushfiqur Rahim have honed their skills against quality opposition.
- For New Zealand: The challenge posed by an improving Bangladesh has contributed to the development of players like Kane Williamson and Trent Boult.
- Expansion of Cricket’s Global Appeal:
- The rivalry has helped increase cricket’s popularity in Bangladesh, a nation of over 160 million people.
- Success against a strong team like New Zealand has inspired a new generation of cricketers in Bangladesh.
- Tactical Evolution:
- New Zealand has had to adapt its strategies, particularly in subcontinental conditions, enhancing their versatility.
- Bangladesh has developed new approaches to compete in various conditions, especially in New Zealand.
Future Prospects
- Continued Growth:
- Expect Bangladesh to become even more competitive, especially in home conditions.
- Potential for Bangladesh to start winning the series against New Zealand, particularly in limited-overs formats.
- Test Cricket Challenge:
- Bangladesh’s next frontier is to secure their first Test win against New Zealand.
- Focus on improving performance in away Test matches, particularly in New Zealand conditions.
- World Cup Encounters:
- Future World Cup matches between the two teams are likely to be closely contested affairs.
- Potential for more upsets and thrilling encounters in global tournaments.
- Player Development:
- The rivalry will continue to be a platform for emerging talents from both countries.
- Expect to see new stars rise to the challenge of this competitive fixture.
- Technological and Strategic Advancements:
- Both teams are likely to employ more data-driven approaches in their matchups.
- Potential for innovative tactics and game plans tailored specifically for this rivalry.
Conclusion:
The Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline is a testament to the dynamic nature of international cricket.
From humble beginnings in 1997 to closely contested matches in recent years, this rivalry encapsulates the growth and evolution of Bangladesh cricket while showcasing New Zealand’s consistent excellence.
Key takeaways from this comprehensive analysis include:
- Bangladesh’s Remarkable Progress: From struggling newcomers to formidable opponents, Bangladesh’s journey is a story of perseverance and development. Their improvement against a strong team like New Zealand reflects their overall growth in international cricket.
- New Zealand’s Consistent Excellence: Throughout the timeline, New Zealand has maintained its status as a top cricketing nation. Their adaptability and performance across different conditions have set a benchmark for Bangladesh to aspire to.
- Shifting Dynamics: The rivalry has evolved from one-sided affairs to competitive encounters, particularly in limited-overs formats. This shift has added excitement and unpredictability to their matchups.
- Impact on Player Development: The contest between these teams has been crucial for developing world-class talents. Players from both sides have used this rivalry as a platform to showcase their skills and improve their game.
- Global Cricket Impact: This rivalry has contributed to cricket’s global appeal growth, particularly in Bangladesh. It has shown how a developing cricketing nation can rise to challenge established powers, adding depth to international cricket.
- Future Potential: As Bangladesh continues to improve and New Zealand maintains its high standards, this rivalry promises more thrilling encounters in the future. The prospect of Bangladesh achieving their first Test win against New Zealand and potentially winning series across formats adds an exciting dimension to their future clashes.
In conclusion, the Bangladesh vs New Zealand cricket rivalry is more than just a series of matches; it’s a narrative of growth, challenge, and the ever-evolving nature of international cricket. As both teams continue to push each other to new heights, cricket fans around the world can look forward to more exciting chapters in this compelling cricketing story. The journey from 1997 to the present day is not just a testament to these two teams, but a celebration of cricket’s ability to foster competitive spirit, national pride, and sporting excellence.
