Uncapped batsman Tom Bruce has been called into New Zealand's Twenty20 squad for their three-match series against Bangladesh next month, while left-arm pace bowler Ben Wheeler has been recalled to the national side.

Bangladesh have been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate against New Zealand during the first ODI yesterday.

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza said had the bowling been disciplined and the fielding up to the mark the first one-day international against New Zealand could have been a closely-fought game.

Bangladesh's 77-run loss to New Zealand in the first ODI at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch yesterday should come as no surprise.

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza said had the bowling been disciplined and the fielding up to the mark the first one-day international against New Zealand could have been a closely-fought game.

Mushfiqur Rahim suffered a strain in his left hamstring during the first ODI between Bangladesh and New Zealand at Hagley Oval, Christchurch today.

In spite of stiff resistance from the middle order batters, Bangladesh fell short by 77 runs chasing 341 against New Zealand at Hagley Oval, Christchurch today

New Zealand set aside Christmas festivities to pack in a final training session on Sunday before their Boxing Day series opener against Bangladesh in Christchurch.

Bangladesh’s pace sensation Mustafizur Rahman bowled in the Hagley Oval wicket with good pace today.

Although pace bowlers usually struggle to put on a positive spin when toiling on the subcontinent, Bangladesh's latest fast-bowling sensation is so far an exception to the rule.

A thrashing at the hands of Australia had been a salutary lesson for New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and his side would be far more aggressive when their one-day series starts against a confident Bangladesh team on Monday.

Star-studded Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Army moved into Monday's final of the Marcel Victory Day Hockey tournament with convincing wins in their respective semifinals at the Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium yesterday.

JB Bangladesh Premier League resumes today at the Bangabandhu National Stadium after a five-day break following Victory Day programme as well as national athletics championship at the country's premier sports venue.

New Zealand's desire for a confidence-boosting limited overs series against Bangladesh, starting on Monday, has been tempered by the need to ease the workloads of Tim Southee and Trent Boult.

Bangladesh have not won a single match in their previous visits to New Zealand. So, ahead of their latest bout against the Black Caps that starts with the Boxing Day ODI at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Monday, questions were asked about whether the Tigers could end the long-standing jinx this time around.

The National Sports Council (NSC) yesterday dissolved the executive committee of the Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation (BKF) and formed a 25-member ad-hoc committee, asking them to take the necessary steps to hold elections within the next three months.

The Bangladesh football team dropped down two places in the latest FIFA rankings, published Thursday.

Walton have become the sponsors for the women's football team for the 4th SAAF Women's Championship, which is scheduled to begin from December 26 in Siliguri, India.

Agrani Bank SC climbed to the top of the Marcel Bangladesh Championship League with a one-goal win over Victoria SC at the Shaheed Suhrawardi Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.

The result of Bangladesh's tour match against New Zealand XI at the Cobham Oval in Whangarei yesterday was a three-wicket defeat for the tourists, but it was a fruitful outing for Mashrafe Bin Mortaza's team ahead of the first ODI at Christchurch on Boxing Day.