Cricket is more than just a sport in Bangladesh—it’s a passion that unites millions. The Bangladesh National Cricket Team, fondly called the Tigers, has faced off against the New Zealand National Cricket Team, known as the Black Caps, in numerous thrilling encounters over the years. Their rivalry spans Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), showcasing moments of triumph, heartbreak, and growth for both teams. This article takes you through the timeline of their clashes, highlighting key matches, milestones, and the evolution of their rivalry. Whether you’re a young fan or a seasoned cricket lover, let’s dive into this exciting journey in a way that’s easy to follow and fun to read.
The Early Days: A Tough Start for Bangladesh
Bangladesh entered international cricket as a Test-playing nation in 2000, and their early years were challenging. Facing a strong side like New Zealand, who had been playing Test cricket since 1930, was no easy task. The Black Caps, with their disciplined bowling and solid batting, were a formidable opponent. Let’s look at how the rivalry began.
2001: First Encounters Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline
The first time Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline met was in 2001 during a Test series in New Zealand. Bangladesh, still finding their footing, struggled against the experienced Black Caps. The series was a steep learning curve, with New Zealand dominating both Tests. Bangladesh lost the series 1–0, with the second Test drawn due to heavy rain, ending their run of 21 consecutive Test defeats—a world record at the time.
In the ODI series that followed, Bangladesh showed a spark of promise. They secured a historic victory in the third ODI, their first international win since defeating Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup. This win was a glimpse of Bangladesh’s potential, even if New Zealand took the series 2–1.
2004: Growing Pains Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline
By 2004, Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline for a full series. The Tigers were still developing, and New Zealand’s bowlers, led by the likes of Daniel Vettori, proved too strong. New Zealand swept the Tests and ODIs, but Bangladesh’s resilience was starting to show. They fought hard in patches, with players like Mohammad Rafique and Khaled Mashud earning praise for their grit.
The Turning Point: Bangladesh Finds Its Roar
The mid-2000s marked a shift for Bangladesh. With players like Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim emerging, the team began to compete more fiercely. Their matches against New Zealand started to reflect this growth.
2008: A Memorable Test for Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline
In October 2008, New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori made history in a Test match in Chittagong. He became the first cricketer to take four wickets and score a half-century in both innings of a Test, with figures of 5/95 and 4/74, plus scores of 55* and 76. Bangladesh fought valiantly but couldn’t overcome New Zealand’s dominance, losing the series.
2010: A Breakthrough in ODIs
The 2010 ODI series in Bangladesh was a game-changer. Under Shakib Al Hasan’s captaincy (after Mashrafe Mortaza’s injury), Bangladesh stunned New Zealand with a 4–0 series victory (one match was washed out). This was Bangladesh’s first series win against a full-strength ICC Full Member nation. The Tigers’ spinners, led by Shakib, outclassed New Zealand’s batsmen, and the home crowd roared in celebration. This series marked Bangladesh’s arrival as a serious contender in limited-overs cricket.
The 2010s: A Competitive Rivalry
As Bangladesh grew stronger, their matches against New Zealand became more competitive. The Tigers started holding their own, especially at home, while New Zealand remained a tough opponent, particularly in their own conditions.
2012: McCullum’s T20I Fireworks
In 2012, New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum set a T20I record with a blistering 123 off 58 balls against Bangladesh in Pallekele, Sri Lanka. His innings, packed with 10 sixes, was a masterclass in power-hitting. Bangladesh couldn’t keep up, and New Zealand won comfortably. This match highlighted the Black Caps’ dominance in the shortest format at the time.
2013: Bangladesh Holds Firm
In 2013, Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline for a full series. The Test series ended in a 0–0 draw, a significant achievement for Bangladesh, as it was their first time avoiding defeat against New Zealand in Tests on home soil. The ODI series was even more memorable, with Bangladesh securing a 3–0 whitewash. Players like Tamim Iqbal and Nasir Hossain shone, and the Tigers’ confidence soared. However, New Zealand salvaged some pride by winning the lone T20I.
2017: A Champions Trophy Classic
One of the most iconic moments in this rivalry came during the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy in Cardiff. Bangladesh pulled off a famous comeback win against New Zealand, chasing down 265 with a five-wicket victory. Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah’s partnership was the stuff of legends, guiding Bangladesh to the semi-finals—a historic milestone. This win is often called one of Bangladesh’s greatest in cricket history.
Recent Years: A Balanced Battle
The 2020s have seen both teams trade blows, with Bangladesh showing they can compete with New Zealand across formats, especially in home conditions. New Zealand, however, remains a tough nut to crack, particularly in Tests and on their home turf.
2023: Test Triumph in Bangladesh
In 2023, New Zealand toured Bangladesh for two Tests and three ODIs as part of the 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship. Bangladesh made history in the first Test in Sylhet, winning by 150 runs—their first Test victory against New Zealand on home soil. Najmul Hossain Shanto, in his first Test as captain, scored a century, becoming the first Bangladeshi to do so in a debut captaincy match. However, New Zealand bounced back in the second Test in Dhaka, winning by four wickets to draw the series 1–1.
In the ODI series, New Zealand secured their first ODI win in Bangladesh since 2008, taking the series 2–1. Despite Bangladesh’s strong home record, New Zealand’s bowlers, including Lockie Ferguson, proved too sharp.
2025: Champions Trophy Showdown Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline
The most recent chapter in this rivalry came in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Rawalpindi. New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, defeated Bangladesh by five wickets to secure a semi-final spot. Rachin Ravindra’s 112 and Tom Latham’s 55 powered the chase of 237, with Michael Bracewell’s four-wicket haul restricting Bangladesh to 236/9. Despite a valiant effort from Najmul Hossain Shanto (77) and Jaker Ali (45), Bangladesh couldn’t defend the total, and their tournament hopes ended.
Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline Clashes
Beyond the senior teams, Bangladesh A and New Zealand A have also faced off, giving young players a chance to shine. In May 2025, during New Zealand A’s tour of Bangladesh, the teams played a three-match unofficial ODI series and two four-day matches. Bangladesh A won the first ODI by seven wickets, with Khaled Ahmed’s 3/27 earning him Player of the Match. However, New Zealand A took the second ODI by 70 runs, and Bangladesh A clinched the third by 87 runs, thanks to Nurul Hasan’s 112. The four-day matches ended in draws, showcasing competitive cricket from both sides.
Key Players and Records
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Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan has been a standout, with his all-round brilliance in the 2010 ODI series and the 2017 Champions Trophy. Mushfiqur Rahim made history in 2013 with Bangladesh’s first Test double century against Sri Lanka, and Najmul Hossain Shanto’s leadership and batting have been pivotal in recent years.
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New Zealand: Brendon McCullum’s T20I heroics and Daniel Vettori’s all-round mastery set high standards. Rachin Ravindra’s 2025 Champions Trophy century and Michael Bracewell’s all-round contributions show the Black Caps’ depth.
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Head-to-Head in ODIs: As of 2025, New Zealand leads with 34 wins to Bangladesh’s 11 in 46 ODI matches, with one no-result.
What Makes This Rivalry Special?
This rivalry is a story of growth and resilience. For Bangladesh, facing New Zealand has been a journey from underdogs to contenders, with landmark wins like the 2010 ODI series and the 2017 Champions Trophy match. For New Zealand, it’s about maintaining their edge while respecting Bangladesh’s growing prowess, especially in home conditions. The mutual respect between the teams, combined with thrilling matches, makes this a rivalry to watch.
Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline
|
Year |
Format |
Venue |
Result |
Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 |
Test |
New Zealand |
NZ won series 1–0 |
Second Test drawn due to rain, ending Bangladesh’s 21-match losing streak. |
| 2001 |
ODI |
New Zealand |
NZ won series 2–1 |
Bangladesh’s first ODI win since 1999 World Cup in third ODI. |
| 2004 |
Test |
Bangladesh |
NZ won series 2–0 |
Bangladesh showed resilience but couldn’t match NZ’s experience. |
| 2004 |
ODI |
Bangladesh |
NZ won series 3–0 |
Bangladesh struggled against NZ’s bowling attack. |
| 2008 |
Test |
Bangladesh |
NZ won series 2–0 |
Daniel Vettori’s historic all-round performance in Chittagong. |
| 2010 |
ODI |
Bangladesh |
BAN won series 4–0 |
Bangladesh’s first series win against a full-strength ICC Full Member, led by Shakib. |
| 2012 |
T20I |
Sri Lanka |
NZ won |
Brendon McCullum’s record-breaking 123 off 58 balls. |
| 2013 |
Test |
Bangladesh |
Series drawn 0–0 |
Bangladesh’s first Test series draw against NZ. |
| 2013 |
ODI |
Bangladesh |
BAN won series 3–0 |
Bangladesh’s dominant home performance. |
| 2013 |
T20I |
Bangladesh |
NZ won |
New Zealand salvaged pride in the lone T20I. |
| 2017 |
ODI (Champions Trophy) |
England |
BAN won |
Famous comeback win, with Shakib and Mahmudullah’s partnership. |
| 2023 |
Test |
Bangladesh |
Series drawn 1–1 |
Bangladesh’s first Test win vs NZ in Sylhet; NZ won second Test. |
| 2023 |
ODI |
Bangladesh |
NZ won series 2–1 |
NZ’s first ODI win in Bangladesh since 2008. |
| 2025 |
ODI (Champions Trophy) |
Pakistan |
NZ won |
Rachin Ravindra’s 112 and Michael Bracewell’s 4 wickets sealed NZ’s semi-final spot. |
| 2025 |
Unofficial ODI (A Team) |
Bangladesh |
BAN A won series 2–1 |
Nurul Hasan’s 112 and Khaled Ahmed’s 3/27 stood out. |
Looking Ahead
As of June 2025, Bangladesh is ranked 9th in Tests and 10th in ODIs and T20Is, while New Zealand holds 5th in Tests, 2nd in ODIs, and 4th in T20Is. The Tigers are set to face India in August 2025 for a white-ball series, while New Zealand will continue their strong form in international tournaments. With young talents like Towhid Hridoy and veterans like Shakib still in the mix, Bangladesh will aim to challenge New Zealand further, especially at home. For the Black Caps, players like Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner ensure they remain a powerhouse.
