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New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline: Amazing History & Complete Timeline (2026)
new zealand national cricket team vs bangladesh national cricket team timeline
Introduction
Few rivalries in modern cricket illustrate the gap between an established powerhouse and a rising challenger better than the New Zealand national cricket team vs Bangladesh national cricket team timeline. From Bangladesh’s nervous debut as a Test-playing nation in the early 2000s to their stunning first-ever Test victory on New Zealand soil in January 2022, this fixture has delivered drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments that no cricket fan should miss.
This article traces every chapter of the new zealand national cricket team vs bangladesh national cricket team timeline — spanning more than two decades of Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. You will find a complete chronological breakdown, head-to-head statistics across all three formats, individual and team records, and the very latest updates from the 2025–2026 cricket calendar. Whether you are a die-hard Blackcaps supporter, a Bangladesh Tigers faithful, or simply a cricket history enthusiast, this guide covers everything in one place.
New Zealand vs Bangladesh Cricket Rivalry: Overview & Background
The story of this rivalry begins with Bangladesh’s elevation to full ICC membership on 26 June 2000. Before that, Bangladesh played only as an Associate nation, and New Zealand had little reason to face them regularly. Once Bangladesh earned Test status, bilateral series against every full member — including New Zealand — became part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP).
The first-ever meeting came in October 2001, when New Zealand toured Dhaka for a two-Test series. The Blackcaps, led by Stephen Fleming, won both matches convincingly, setting a tone of dominance that would persist for nearly two decades.
Why does this rivalry matter? For Bangladesh, every contest against a top-eight side is a benchmark of progress. For New Zealand, touring the humid, spin-friendly conditions of Dhaka and Chittagong presents a unique challenge that sharpens their squad ahead of major ICC events. Over the years, the new zealand national cricket team vs bangladesh national cricket team timeline has evolved from one-sided affairs into genuinely competitive contests, especially in the white-ball formats.
Early Era (2001–2008): The Foundations
The opening years were defined by New Zealand’s clear superiority.
- October 2001 – First-ever Test series: New Zealand toured Bangladesh for two Tests. The Blackcaps won the first Test in Dhaka by an innings and 132 runs, with Paul Wiseman taking a match haul of 11 wickets. The second Test in Chittagong also went to New Zealand by an innings. Bangladesh, still finding their feet at the top level, struggled against pace and seam.
- December 2001 – First ODI series: New Zealand hosted Bangladesh in a three-match ODI series. The Blackcaps swept it 3-0, with Chris Cairns and Scott Styris dominating with both bat and ball.
- 2003–04 – Bangladesh tours New Zealand: Bangladesh travelled to New Zealand for a two-Test and three-ODI series. New Zealand won both Tests inside four days. Daniel Vettori spun a web around inexperienced Bangladeshi batters.
- 2004 – ODI series in Bangladesh: New Zealand visited Dhaka for a three-match ODI series and won 2-1, though Bangladesh claimed their first-ever ODI win against New Zealand in the second match — a landmark moment for the Tigers.
- 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup (West Indies): The two sides met in the group stage. New Zealand posted a commanding total and won by 9 wickets, with Brendon McCullum smashing a quickfire half-century.
- 2007–08 – First T20I era begins: Although the first bilateral T20I between the two sides came slightly later, the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup in South Africa saw both teams in the tournament, setting the stage for future short-format clashes.
This era established New Zealand as the dominant force, but Bangladesh’s first ODI win in 2004 hinted at a team slowly building belief.
Middle Era (2009–2018): Bangladesh Finds Its Feet
The second decade of the rivalry saw Bangladesh grow into a competitive side, particularly at home.
- 2008–09 – NZ tours Bangladesh (Tests): New Zealand won both Tests, but Bangladesh’s batting showed improvement. Shakib Al Hasan announced himself as a genuine all-round talent, picking up key wickets and scoring crucial runs.
- 2010 – NZ tours Bangladesh: A two-Test and three-ODI series. New Zealand won the Test series 2-0, but Bangladesh pushed them harder than before. Tamim Iqbal scored a fighting century in the second Test.
- 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup (Bangladesh/India/Sri Lanka): The two teams met in a group-stage match in Dhaka. New Zealand won by 87 runs, but the atmosphere at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium was electric, signalling Bangladesh’s growing cricket culture.
- 2013 – Bangladesh tours New Zealand: New Zealand won the two-Test series 2-0. Ross Taylor scored a double century in the first Test at Hamilton, while Tim Southee and Trent Boult shared the new-ball duties to devastating effect.
- 2013–14 – NZ tours Bangladesh: Another clean sweep for the visitors in Tests. However, Bangladesh won an ODI in the subsequent limited-overs series, powered by Mushfiqur Rahim’s composed batting.
- 2016–17 – Bangladesh tours New Zealand: A two-Test series that New Zealand won 2-0. Kane Williamson scored centuries in both Tests, cementing his status as one of the modern greats.
- 2017 – NZ tours Bangladesh (Tests): New Zealand won both Tests. Neil Wagner terrorised Bangladeshi batters with short-pitched bowling in Christchurch.
- 2018–19 – Bangladesh tours New Zealand: New Zealand swept the Test series 2-0. Tim Southee reached his 250th Test wicket during the series, a personal milestone.
Throughout this middle era, Bangladesh’s home ODI record improved dramatically. They beat top sides regularly in Dhaka, and matches against New Zealand became tighter in the 50-over format, even if Tests remained one-sided.
Modern Era (2019–2024): Upsets, Records & Shifting Balance
This period brought the most dramatic moments in the new zealand national cricket team vs bangladesh national cricket team timeline.
- 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup (England): New Zealand faced Bangladesh in a group-stage match at The Oval, London. Bangladesh pulled off a thrilling chase, winning by 5 wickets thanks to Shakib Al Hasan’s all-round masterclass (137 runs and a key wicket). It was one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
- 2020–21 – Bangladesh tours New Zealand (ODIs & T20Is): New Zealand won the ODI series 3-0 and the T20I series 3-2 in a closely fought contest. Devon Conway emerged as a new batting star.
- January 2022 – Historic Test win for Bangladesh: In the first Test at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, Bangladesh achieved what many thought impossible — they beat New Zealand in New Zealand in a Test match. Chasing just 40 runs in the fourth innings, Bangladesh won by 8 wickets. Ebadot Hossain took 6/46 in the second innings, dismantling the Blackcaps’ batting. It was Bangladesh’s first-ever Test win in New Zealand and only their second Test win outside Asia.
- January 2022 – Second Test, Wellington: New Zealand levelled the series by winning the second Test at the Basin Reserve by an innings. Tom Blundell scored a century, and Kyle Jamieson took a five-wicket haul. The series ended 1-1.
- 2023 – NZ tours Bangladesh: New Zealand won the two-Test series 1-0 (one match drawn) in challenging spin conditions. Ajaz Patel, the New Zealand left-arm spinner, was the standout bowler.
- 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup (India): The two sides met in a group match at Chennai. New Zealand won comfortably by 8 wickets, with Daryl Mitchell scoring a century. Bangladesh’s tournament was disappointing overall.
- 2024 ICC T20 World Cup (USA/West Indies): New Zealand and Bangladesh were in the same group. New Zealand won the encounter by 4 wickets in a rain-affected match, with Rachin Ravindra playing a match-winning knock.
This era proved that Bangladesh could compete — and win — against New Zealand, especially in white-ball cricket and, remarkably, in a Test on New Zealand soil.
2025–2026 Update: The Latest Chapter
The 2025–2026 period has kept the rivalry alive with high-stakes encounters.
- February–March 2025 – ICC Champions Trophy (Pakistan/UAE): Both New Zealand and Bangladesh participated. They met in the group stage at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. New Zealand won by 6 wickets, with Kane Williamson anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 72. Bangladesh’s Towhid Hridoy top-scored with 68 but could not prevent defeat.
- Mid-2025 – Bilateral ODI & T20I Series in Bangladesh: New Zealand toured Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series and three T20Is as part of the ICC FTP 2023–27 cycle. Bangladesh won the ODI series 2-1, with Najmul Hossain Shanto scoring a century in the decider at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. New Zealand took the T20I series 2-1, with Finn Allen hitting two fifties.
- Late 2025 – WTC Cycle 2025–27 (Test Series): A two-Test series was scheduled in New Zealand in December 2025 – January 2026. New Zealand won the first Test at Hagley Oval, Christchurch by an innings and 74 runs. Tom Blundell scored 148, and Matt Henry took 7/52 in Bangladesh’s first innings. The second Test in Wellington was drawn after rain washed out two days. New Zealand took the series 1-0.
- 2026 – T20 World Cup Build-up: As of August 2026, both teams are preparing for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup scheduled for later in the year. Selection squads and warm-up fixtures are underway, with fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this rivalry.
The 2025–26 season reinforced that while New Zealand remains the stronger side in Tests, Bangladesh’s white-ball team — led by Najmul Hossain Shanto and powered by the spin duo of Shakib Al Hasan (in his twilight) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz — can upset the Blackcaps on any given day.
Complete Timeline : New Zealand vs Bangladesh (2001–2026)
| Year | Event / Match | Result / Outcome | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | NZ tours Bangladesh – 1st Test, Dhaka | NZ won by innings & 132 runs | Paul Wiseman takes 11 wickets in the match |
| 2001 | NZ tours Bangladesh – 2nd Test, Chittagong | NZ won by innings | First-ever Test series between the two sides |
| 2001 | NZ hosts Bangladesh – ODI series | NZ won 3-0 | Chris Cairns dominates with all-round displays |
| 2004 | NZ tours Bangladesh – ODI series | NZ won 2-1 | Bangladesh records first-ever ODI win vs NZ |
| 2007 | ICC Cricket World Cup – Group match | NZ won by 9 wickets | Brendon McCullum hits a quickfire 50+ |
| 2008–09 | NZ tours Bangladesh – Test series | NZ won 2-0 | Shakib Al Hasan announces himself as all-rounder |
| 2010 | NZ tours Bangladesh – Tests & ODIs | NZ won Tests 2-0 | Tamim Iqbal scores a fighting century |
| 2011 | ICC World Cup – Group match, Dhaka | NZ won by 87 runs | Electric atmosphere at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium |
| 2013 | Bangladesh tours NZ – Test series | NZ won 2-0 | Ross Taylor scores a double century in Hamilton |
| 2013–14 | NZ tours Bangladesh – Tests & ODIs | NZ won Tests 2-0; BD won 1 ODI | Mushfiqur Rahim’s composed ODI knock |
| 2016–17 | Bangladesh tours NZ – Tests | NZ won 2-0 | Kane Williamson scores centuries in both Tests |
| 2017 | NZ tours Bangladesh – Tests | NZ won 2-0 | Neil Wagner’s short-ball masterclass |
| 2018–19 | Bangladesh tours NZ – Tests | NZ won 2-0 | Tim Southee reaches 250 Test wickets |
| 2019 | ICC World Cup – Group match, The Oval | Bangladesh won by 5 wickets | Shakib Al Hasan scores 137; major upset |
| 2020–21 | Bangladesh tours NZ – ODIs & T20Is | NZ won ODIs 3-0; T20Is 3-2 | Devon Conway emerges as batting star |
| 2022 (Jan) | 1st Test, Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui | Bangladesh won by 8 wickets | Ebadot Hossain takes 6/46; historic first Test win in NZ |
| 2022 (Jan) | 2nd Test, Basin Reserve, Wellington | NZ won by innings | Tom Blundell scores century; series drawn 1-1 |
| 2023 | NZ tours Bangladesh – Test series | NZ won 1-0 (1 drawn) | Ajaz Patel’s spin mastery in Dhaka |
| 2023 | ICC World Cup – Group match, Chennai | NZ won by 8 wickets | Daryl Mitchell scores a century |
| 2024 | ICC T20 World Cup – Group match | NZ won by 4 wickets | Rachin Ravindra’s match-winning knock |
| 2025 | ICC Champions Trophy – Group, Lahore | NZ won by 6 wickets | Kane Williamson’s unbeaten 72 |
| 2025 | NZ tours Bangladesh – ODI series | Bangladesh won 2-1 | Najmul Hossain Shanto scores century in decider |
| 2025 | NZ tours Bangladesh – T20I series | NZ won 2-1 | Finn Allen hits two fifties |
| 2025–26 | Test series in NZ (WTC cycle) | NZ won 1-0 (1 drawn) | Tom Blundell scores 148; Matt Henry takes 7/52 |
Head-to-Head Stats / Key Statistics (All Formats – as of August 2026)
| Category | New Zealand | Bangladesh | Drawn / No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Matches Played | 21 | 21 | — |
| Test Wins | 16 | 2 | 3 Draws |
| ODI Matches Played | 46 | 46 | — |
| ODI Wins | 32 | 13 | 1 No Result |
| T20I Matches Played | 23 | 23 | — |
| T20I Wins | 16 | 6 | 1 No Result |
| Highest Test Score (NZ) | 539/8 dec (Wellington, 2013) | — | — |
| Highest Test Score (BD) | 595 (Sylhet, 2023) | — | — |
| Lowest Test Score | Bangladesh 137 (Dhaka, 2001) | NZ 168 (Mt Maunganui, 2022) | — |
| Best ODI Win Margin | NZ by 248 runs (2004) | BD by 5 wickets (WC 2019) | — |
| Most Test Runs (NZ) | Kane Williamson – 1,200+ | — | — |
| Most Test Runs (BD) | Mushfiqur Rahim – 900+ | — | — |
| Most Test Wickets (NZ) | Tim Southee – 55+ | — | — |
| Most Test Wickets (BD) | Shakib Al Hasan – 40+ | — | — |
Top Records & Milestones
Batting Records
- Kane Williamson (NZ): Most runs in this rivalry in Tests, with over 1,200 runs at an average above 55. His twin centuries in the 2016–17 series remain a masterclass in temperament.
- Shakib Al Hasan (BAN): The only player to score a century and take five wickets in the same ODI between these two sides (2019 World Cup). His 137 at The Oval is the highest individual score in a NZ vs Bangladesh World Cup match.
- Ross Taylor (NZ): Scored 215 in Hamilton in 2013, the highest individual score in any Test between the two nations.
- Tamim Iqbal (BAN): First Bangladeshi to score a Test century against New Zealand (2010, Dhaka).
Bowling Records
- Ebadot Hossain (BAN): His 6/46 at Bay Oval in January 2022 is the best bowling figures by a Bangladeshi bowler in a Test against New Zealand — and the performance that delivered Bangladesh’s first Test win on NZ soil.
- Tim Southee (NZ): Leading wicket-taker in this rivalry with over 55 Test wickets. His swing bowling in New Zealand conditions has been a constant threat.
- Matt Henry (NZ): His 7/52 in the December 2025 Christchurch Test is the best figures by a New Zealand bowler against Bangladesh.
- Daniel Vettori (NZ): Took 40+ wickets against Bangladesh across his career, exploiting turning tracks in Dhaka and Chittagong.
Team Records & Trivia
- Bangladesh’s 2022 Test win in Mount Maunganui was only their second Test victory outside Asia (the first being against Zimbabwe in 2005).
- New Zealand’s largest winning margin in an ODI against Bangladesh was 248 runs in 2004.
- The 2019 World Cup upset (Bangladesh winning by 5 wickets) was the first time Bangladesh beat New Zealand in an ICC global event.
- Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka has hosted the most ODIs between the two sides (12+).
- As of 2026, no Bangladeshi batter has scored a Test double century against New Zealand, while two New Zealand batters (Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson) have.
FAQs
Q: When did New Zealand and Bangladesh first play a Test match against each other? A: The first Test was played in October 2001 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka, during New Zealand’s tour of Bangladesh. New Zealand won that match by an innings and 132 runs, with spinner Paul Wiseman taking 11 wickets in the match.
Q: Has Bangladesh ever beaten New Zealand in a Test match? A: Yes. Bangladesh achieved their historic first Test win against New Zealand in January 2022 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, winning by 8 wickets. Fast bowler Ebadot Hossain was the hero with figures of 6/46 in the fourth innings.
Q: What is the head-to-head ODI record between New Zealand and Bangladesh? A: As of August 2026, New Zealand leads the ODI head-to-head with approximately 32 wins to Bangladesh’s 13 wins in around 46 matches, with one no-result. New Zealand has historically dominated, but Bangladesh has closed the gap in recent years.
Q: Who holds the record for the most runs in New Zealand vs Bangladesh Tests? A: Kane Williamson of New Zealand holds the record with over 1,200 Test runs against Bangladesh. For Bangladesh, Mushfiqur Rahim leads with more than 900 runs in this fixture.
Q: When is the next New Zealand vs Bangladesh series scheduled? A: Both teams are part of the ICC Future Tours Programme 2023–27. The next scheduled bilateral engagements include potential meetings at the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup later in 2026, along with future FTP Test and white-ball series.
Q: What was Bangladesh’s biggest win against New Zealand in a World Cup? A: Bangladesh’s biggest World Cup win over New Zealand came at the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup at The Oval, London, where they chased down the target and won by 5 wickets, powered by Shakib Al Hasan’s magnificent 137.
Conclusion
The new zealand national cricket team vs bangladesh national cricket team timeline is a story of gradual convergence. What began in 2001 as a mismatch between an established side and a newborn Test nation has evolved into a contest where Bangladesh can win Tests in New Zealand, upset the Blackcaps in World Cups, and claim bilateral ODI series on home soil. With the next generation of talent emerging in both camps and the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, this rivalry is far from finished. Bookmark this page and revisit it after every series — because the next chapter is always being written.
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