New Zealand found their feet in the series against England even if they ultimately went down and now try to acclimate to the subcontinent in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh vs New Zealand | First ODI | Thursday 21 September 2023 | Shere-e-Bangla, Dhaka | 10:00
Bangladesh 72/100 | Tie 25/1 | New Zealand 23/20
Bangladesh come into the series ranked just one place behind New Zealand but their expectations for the World Cup are considerably lower.
While a promising new generation of batters are breaking through much will still fall on the shoulders of Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah for Bangladesh.
Litton Das will lead the team against the Black Caps in the absence of rested skipper Shakib-al-Hasan.
Bangladesh have also rested regulars Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam, who all took part in the Asia Cup.
New Zealand also sport a stand-in skipper with Lockie Ferguson leading the Black Caps in Bangladesh while Tome Latham and Kane Williamson are rested.
Trent Boult is out to tune up ahead of the Cricket World Cup as he lacks for overs while the same is also true of Kyle Jamieson who is still beating the comeback trail from injury.
Frontline spinner Ish Sodhi has made the trip and should enjoy being a c central part of the New Zealand attack.
Spin-bowling allrounder Rachin Ravindra will be out to prove his inclusion for the Cricket World Cup was the right move.
Verdict: Bangladesh
The Tigers will be out to get the jump on New Zealand on their turf.
