Winners outnumbered by one: Combined XI from Bangladesh–New Zealand ODI series

New Zealand arrived in Bangladesh with an inexperienced squad but pushed the hosts throughout a competitive three-match series, which Bangladesh eventually won 2-1 after a 55-run victory in Chattogram on Thursday. The following is a combined eleven, a list which sees the home side feature six players. The line-up is bowling heavy, containing four pacers and two spinners:   

1. Henry Nicholls 

The second-most experienced batter in an otherwise young New Zealand side, Henry Nicholls provided composure at the top. While not prolific, his presence helped set the tone in testing conditions.
 

2. Nick Kelly 

New Zealand’s leading run-scorer with 149 runs, Nick Kelly stood out for his ability to absorb pressure. Two fifties and a composed approach made him the backbone of the visitors’ batting.
 

3. Najmul Hossain Shanto 

The series’ top scorer with 155 runs, Najmul Hossain Shanto’s century in the decider -- the lone three-digit score in the series -- was the standout performance on the batting front. Pushed a step down to number four after a duck in the first match, Shanto’s composed fifty in the second ODI was much needed from the batter and team’s perspectives.  

4. Litton Das (captain and wicket-keeper) 

With 129 runs, Litton brought rhythm to Bangladesh’s innings. His strokeplay, especially in the final ODI, ensured momentum through the middle overs as the wicketkeeper-batter registered a fifty following 19 innings. 

5. Tawhid Hridoy 

Dismissed only once in the series, when his 55 came in a losing cause in the series opener, Tawhid Hridoy’s 118 runs came at an average of 118. While he guided the chase of 200 in the series-levelling second ODI, before scoring another 30-odd runs in the decider, his ability to accelerate and rotate strike raised eyebrows.  
 

6. Dean Foxcroft 

Dean Foxcroft’s unbeaten 75 in the decider highlighted his ability to turn games. His 129 runs across the series came with intent, particularly against spin. Foxcroft’s value extended beyond his run tally, featuring series-high seven sixes. With the ball, he offered useful control, returning two wickets across 17.3 overs while conceding 86 runs at an economy of 4.91. 

7. Shoriful Islam 

Five wickets at an economy below three underline Shoriful Islam’s discipline. He applied pressure consistently, often building the platform for breakthroughs. 

8. Nahid Rana 

The leading wicket-taker with eight scalps, including a five-for, Nahid Rana emerged as Bangladesh’s most potent weapon, breaking partnerships at key moments. 

9. Mustafizur Rahman 

Featuring in just one match following injury setback, Mustafizur Rahman delivered the defining spell of the series. His five-wicket haul in the decider sealed Bangladesh’s victory.
 

10. Jayden Lennox 

Jayden Lennox matched Bangladesh’s bowlers with five wickets of his own, offering control and consistency through the middle overs for New Zealand. 

11. Will O’Rourke
Young pacer Will O’Rourke picked up five wickets, dismantling the hosts’ top-order in the decider, displaying encouraging signs despite unfamiliar conditions.