Bangladesh will look to secure the three-match ODI series when they face New Zealand in the decisive third game, with confidence high after a spirited comeback in the second match.
After suffering defeat in the opening encounter, Bangladesh responded strongly to level the series 1-1, setting up a winner-takes-all contest. The hosts will hope home conditions and growing momentum can help them finish the job against an inexperienced New Zealand side.
Bangladesh's batting unit showed greater composure in the previous match, while the bowlers also delivered under pressure to keep the visitors in check. The team management will now expect another disciplined all-round display in the series decider.
New Zealand, however, remain optimistic despite the setback. With several first-choice players unavailable, the tourists have brought a younger squad, but they have shown enough quality and fight to trouble Bangladesh throughout the series.
Fast bowler Will O'Rourke said the visitors were eager for the challenge and hoped the surface would offer assistance to the seamers.
"There seems to be a bit of grass on the wicket, so hopefully there's some pace and bounce. We'll find out soon enough, but we pride ourselves on our fielding and will look to put our best foot forward," O'Rourke said.
The tourists will also take confidence from their recent record in Bangladesh. New Zealand won a bilateral ODI series in the country in 2023, claiming a 2-1 victory - their first series success in Bangladesh since 2013.
That result proved they are capable of adapting well to subcontinental conditions.
Historically, New Zealand have enjoyed the upper hand in ODI meetings between the two nations. Of the 48 matches played, New Zealand have won 35, while Bangladesh have claimed 12 victories. One game ended without a result.
Despite that record, Bangladesh have become a far stronger side at home in recent years and will back themselves to deliver in front of their supporters. Familiar conditions, improved confidence and the chance to secure another notable series win provide added motivation.
The final ODI is expected to be closely contested, with Bangladesh seeking to build on their recent progress and New Zealand determined to continue their strong tradition in the rivalry.
For Bangladesh, victory would underline their growing consistency in home conditions. For New Zealand, another series win in Dhaka would reinforce their reputation as one of the most adaptable touring sides in world cricket.
Squad:
Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Liton Kumer Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
New Zealand: Tom Latham (Captain), Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver, Dean Foxcroft, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Henry Nicholls, Will O'Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young.
