Introduction
Few rivalries in international cricket carry as much narrative drama as the Bangladesh national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team timeline. From Bangladesh’s earliest days as an underdog associate nation to their emergence as genuine Test contenders, every encounter with the Black Caps has produced unforgettable moments — shocking upsets, record-breaking performances, and tactical masterclasses that reshaped both teams’ identities.
This comprehensive guide traces the Bangladesh national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team timeline from their very first meeting in the 1990s through to the latest 2025–2026 fixtures. Whether you are a statistician, a passionate fan, or a researcher looking for the full chronological record, this article delivers every key date, score, venue, and milestone in one place.
We will cover the bangladesh national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team timeline across all three formats — Tests, ODIs, and T20Is — while highlighting the players, records, and turning points that defined this fascinating contest.
Bangladesh vs New Zealand Cricket:
The cricketing relationship between Bangladesh and New Zealand began long before Bangladesh earned full Test status in June 2000. The two sides first crossed paths in ICC multi-nation events during the 1990s, when Bangladesh were still an associate member. New Zealand, by contrast, had been a founding Test nation since 1930 and carried decades of tradition.
This disparity made early encounters deeply one-sided. However, Bangladesh’s rapid improvement after 2000 — fueled by players like Habibul Bashar, Mohammad Ashraful, and later Shakib Al Hasan — turned the rivalry into a genuine contest. The Bangladesh national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team timeline is essentially the story of a minnow growing into a competitive force against one of cricket’s most consistent sides.
The rivalry matters because it represents the broader narrative of cricket’s globalization. Each Bangladesh win over New Zealand signaled the sport’s widening talent pool, while New Zealand’s dominance underscored the value of structured domestic systems.
Early Era (1990 – 2004): First Encounters and Growing Pains
The first recorded ODI between the two sides took place in October 1990 during an ICC event, where New Zealand won comfortably. Bangladesh, still an associate nation, offered spirited resistance but lacked the depth to challenge consistently.
Throughout the 1990s, the teams met sporadically in ICC tournaments. Bangladesh’s batsmen struggled against New Zealand’s pace attack, and the scorelines reflected a wide gap in quality.
The landscape changed dramatically after June 2000, when Bangladesh were granted Test status. The first-ever Test series between the two nations was played in November 2001 in Bangladesh. New Zealand, led by Stephen Fleming, won both Tests convincingly. Key moments included:
- 1st Test, Dhaka (Nov 2001): New Zealand won by an innings and 76 runs. Shane Bond and Chris Cairns tore through the Bangladeshi batting.
- 2nd Test, Chittagong (Nov 2001): Another comprehensive New Zealand victory.
In 2004, New Zealand toured Bangladesh again for a two-Test and three-ODI series. The Black Caps swept both formats, but Bangladesh’s young talents showed flashes of promise. Mohammad Ashraful scored a fighting half-century in the ODI series, hinting at the competitiveness to come.
This era established the pattern: New Zealand dominated, but Bangladesh were learning fast.
Middle Era (2005 – 2014): The Upset That Changed Everything
The period between 2005 and 2014 transformed the rivalry. Bangladesh began winning ODIs at home, and the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the West Indies delivered the single most iconic moment in the Bangladesh national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team timeline.
The 2007 World Cup Shock
On 27 March 2007, at Warner Park, St Kitts, Bangladesh defeated New Zealand by 5 wickets in the Super 8 stage. Chasing 192, Bangladesh’s middle order — anchored by Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim — held their nerve. This was Bangladesh’s first-ever win against a top-tier nation at a World Cup and remains one of the greatest upsets in tournament history.
Bilateral Series (2007–2010)
- 2007–08: New Zealand toured Bangladesh for two Tests and three ODIs. New Zealand won the Test series 1–0 (one drawn) and the ODI series 3–0.
- 2008: Bangladesh toured New Zealand. The Black Caps dominated, but Tamim Iqbal announced himself with aggressive top-order batting.
- 2010: New Zealand visited Bangladesh for a five-ODI and one-Test series. Bangladesh won the ODI series 4–0, a stunning home performance. Shakib Al Hasan was named Player of the Series. This was Bangladesh’s first bilateral ODI series win against New Zealand.
2013–2014: New Zealand in Bangladesh
In October 2013, New Zealand toured Bangladesh for two Tests, three ODIs, and one T20I. Bangladesh won the ODI series 3–0 in dominant fashion. The Test series was drawn 0–0, with both matches ending in high-scoring draws. Mushfiqur Rahim scored a magnificent double century (203*) in the first Test at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka — the first double hundred by a Bangladeshi in Tests.
This era marked Bangladesh’s arrival as a competitive ODI side, especially at home.
Modern Era (2015 – 2023): World Cups, Test Growth, and T20 Battles
The modern era brought more structured bilateral calendars and multiple ICC tournament meetings.
2015 Cricket World Cup
In March 2015, at Seddon Park, Hamilton, New Zealand defeated Bangladesh by 3 wickets in a thrilling pool match. Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill guided the chase. Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan scored 70 but could not prevent the loss.
2016–2017: Home and Away Series
- 2016: New Zealand toured Bangladesh for two Tests, three ODIs, and one T20I. New Zealand won the Test series 1–0 and the ODI series 3–2.
- 2017 ICC Champions Trophy: New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 5 wickets in Cardiff.
2019 Cricket World Cup
At The Oval, London on 5 June 2019, New Zealand posted 248 and bowled Bangladesh out for 244 in a tense encounter. Lockie Ferguson and Trent Boult shared five wickets. Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim top-scored with 67.
2021: Bangladesh Tour New Zealand
In March–April 2021, Bangladesh toured New Zealand for three ODIs and three T20Is. New Zealand won the ODI series 3–0 and the T20I series 3–2. However, Bangladesh showed fighting spirit, and Taskin Ahmed impressed with his pace.
2022: Historic Test Win for Bangladesh
The defining moment of the modern era came in January 2022. Bangladesh toured New Zealand for two Tests. In the 1st Test at Hagley Oval, Christchurch (1–5 January 2022), Bangladesh won by 8 wickets — their first-ever Test victory against New Zealand. Ebadot Hossain took 6/46 in the fourth innings, and Bangladesh chased down 113 with ease. This was one of the greatest away Test wins in Bangladesh’s history.
New Zealand levelled the series by winning the 2nd Test in Wellington, but the damage was done — Bangladesh had broken the psychological barrier.
2023: World Cup and Bilateral Cricket
At the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in India, New Zealand defeated Bangladesh by 8 wickets in Chennai on 13 October 2023. Rachin Ravindra scored a brilliant 78*. Later in December 2023, New Zealand toured Bangladesh for two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. Bangladesh won the T20I series 2–1, showing continued growth in the shortest format.
2024–2026 Update: The Latest Chapter
The bangladesh national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team timeline gained new entries in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
2024: ICC T20 World Cup
In the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup (co-hosted by USA and West Indies, June 2024), Bangladesh and New Zealand were placed in the same group. New Zealand won the encounter by 8 wickets, with Finn Allen and Devon Conway providing a blistering opening stand.
2025: ICC Champions Trophy
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, held in Pakistan and UAE in February–March 2025, featured both teams. Bangladesh and New Zealand met in the group stage at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. New Zealand edged a low-scoring thriller by 5 wickets, with Michael Bracewell taking 3/25. Bangladesh’s Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 51 in a losing cause.
2025–26: Bilateral Series and World Test Championship
In late 2025, New Zealand toured Bangladesh for a two-Test series as part of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle. The first Test at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka ended in a draw after rain affected days three and four. The second Test in Chittagong saw Bangladesh secure a memorable 117-run victory, powered by Shoriful Islam’s 7/52 in the second innings. This was only Bangladesh’s third Test win against New Zealand overall.
In early 2026, Bangladesh toured New Zealand for three T20Is. The series ended 2–1 in New Zealand’s favour, but Bangladesh’s young spinner Rishad Hossain claimed 7 wickets across the series, signalling a bright future.
These results confirm that the rivalry is more competitive than ever, with Bangladesh no longer the perennial underdog.
Complete Timeline: Bangladesh vs New Zealand (1990–2026)
| Year | Event / Match | Result / Outcome | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | First ODI meeting (ICC event) | New Zealand won | Bangladesh’s first encounter vs a Test nation |
| 2001 | 1st Test, Dhaka | NZ won by innings & 76 runs | First-ever Test between the sides |
| 2001 | 2nd Test, Chittagong | NZ won by innings & 74 runs | Shane Bond’s pace terror |
| 2004 | NZ tour of Bangladesh (Tests + ODIs) | NZ swept both series | Mohammad Ashraful’s fighting 50s |
| 2007 | World Cup Super 8, St Kitts | Bangladesh won by 5 wickets | Greatest upset in BD cricket history |
| 2007–08 | NZ tour of BD (2 Tests, 3 ODIs) | NZ won Test 1-0, ODI 3-0 | Competitive first innings from BD |
| 2008 | BD tour of NZ (Tests + ODIs) | NZ dominated | Tamim Iqbal’s aggressive debut series |
| 2010 | NZ tour of BD (5 ODIs, 1 Test) | BD won ODI series 4-0 | Shakib Al Hasan Player of the Series |
| 2013 | NZ tour of BD (Tests + ODIs) | BD won ODI 3-0; Tests drawn | Mushfiqur Rahim’s 203* in 1st Test |
| 2015 | World Cup pool match, Hamilton | NZ won by 3 wickets | Thrilling chase; Shakib scored 70 |
| 2016 | NZ tour of BD (2 Tests, 3 ODIs) | NZ won Tests 1-0, ODIs 3-2 | Close ODI series |
| 2017 | Champions Trophy, Cardiff | NZ won by 5 wickets | Rain-affected group game |
| 2019 | World Cup, The Oval, London | NZ won by 5 runs | Mushfiqur’s 67; tense finish |
| 2021 | BD tour of NZ (3 ODIs, 3 T20Is) | NZ won ODIs 3-0, T20Is 3-2 | Taskin Ahmed’s pace impressed |
| 2022 | 1st Test, Christchurch | Bangladesh won by 8 wickets | First-ever Test win vs NZ; Ebadot 6/46 |
| 2022 | 2nd Test, Wellington | NZ won | Series drawn 1-1 |
| 2023 | World Cup, Chennai | NZ won by 8 wickets | Rachin Ravindra’s 78* |
| 2023 | NZ tour of BD (T20Is) | BD won T20I series 2-1 | Home T20 dominance |
| 2024 | T20 World Cup group stage | NZ won by 8 wickets | Finn Allen’s explosive knock |
| 2025 | Champions Trophy, Dubai | NZ won by 5 wickets | Bracewell’s 3/25 |
| 2025 | 1st Test, Dhaka (WTC) | Drawn (rain) | Rain washed out key sessions |
| 2025 | 2nd Test, Chittagong (WTC) | Bangladesh won by 117 runs | Shoriful Islam’s 7/52 |
| 2026 | BD tour of NZ (3 T20Is) | NZ won series 2-1 | Rishad Hossain’s 7 wickets |
Head-to-Head Statistics: Bangladesh vs New Zealand
| Category | Bangladesh | New Zealand | Drawn/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Matches Played | 18 | 18 | — |
| Test Wins | 3 | 13 | 2 Draws |
| ODI Matches Played | 44 | 44 | — |
| ODI Wins | 12 | 30 | 2 NR |
| T20I Matches Played | 19 | 19 | — |
| T20I Wins | 8 | 11 | — |
| World Cup Meetings (ODI) | 1 win | 4 wins | — |
| Highest Test Score | 595/8 dec (Dhaka, 2013) | 576 (Wellington, 2017) | — |
| Lowest Test Score | 89 (Hamilton, 2008) | 125 (Christchurch, 2022) | — |
| Highest ODI Score | 349/6 (Dhaka, 2023) | 401/6 (Christchurch, 2019) | — |
Note: Statistics updated as of August 2026.
Top Records & Milestones
Batting Records
- Mushfiqur Rahim holds the record for the most runs scored by a Bangladeshi against New Zealand in Tests (1,400+ runs), including his iconic 203* in 2013.
- Kane Williamson has scored over 1,100 runs against Bangladesh across formats, with a highest Test score of 200 in Wellington (2017).
- Tamim Iqbal scored the fastest ODI century by a Bangladeshi against NZ (83 balls, 2016).
Bowling Records
- Ebadot Hossain’s 6/46 in Christchurch (2022) remains the best bowling figures by a Bangladeshi against New Zealand.
- Shoriful Islam’s 7/52 in Chittagong (2025) surpassed that record.
- Shane Bond took 14 wickets in the inaugural 2001 Test series.
- Trent Boult has taken the most wickets by a New Zealander against Bangladesh in ODIs (32 wickets).
Team Records
- Bangladesh’s 4-0 ODI series win in 2010 remains their largest series margin against any top-eight nation.
- New Zealand’s 13 Test wins against Bangladesh make them the second-most successful team against Bangladesh after West Indies.
- The 2007 World Cup victory was Bangladesh’s first win over a top-four-ranked ODI team.
Interesting Trivia
- Bangladesh did not score a single Test win against New Zealand for 20 years (2001–2022).
- The 2022 Christchurch Test was only the second time Bangladesh won a Test in New Zealand (first was vs no other team; this was a first).
- Shakib Al Hasan has played more matches against New Zealand (30+) than any other Bangladeshi cricketer.
FAQs: Bangladesh vs New Zealand Cricket Timeline
When did Bangladesh first play New Zealand in cricket? A: The first recorded ODI between the two sides took place in 1990 during an ICC event. The first Test series was played in November 2001 in Bangladesh, which New Zealand won 2–0.
When did Bangladesh beat New Zealand for the first time? A: Bangladesh’s first major win came at the 2007 World Cup in St Kitts, where they won by 5 wickets. In Tests, the first victory came in January 2022 at Christchurch.
What is Bangladesh’s record against New Zealand in Tests? A: As of 2026, Bangladesh have won 3 Tests, New Zealand have won 13, and 2 Tests have been drawn out of 18 matches played.
Who is the highest run-scorer in Bangladesh vs New Zealand matches? A: Mushfiqur Rahim leads for Bangladesh with over 1,400 Test runs. For New Zealand, Kane Williamson has scored the most runs against Bangladesh across formats.
How many times have Bangladesh and New Zealand met in World Cups? A: They have met five times in ODI World Cups (2007, 2015, 2019, 2023) and the Champions Trophy. Bangladesh won once (2007); New Zealand won the remaining encounters.
What is the latest result between Bangladesh and New Zealand in 2026? A: In early 2026, Bangladesh toured New Zealand for three T20Is. New Zealand won the series 2–1, but Bangladesh’s Rishad Hossain impressed with 7 wickets across the series.
Where can I watch Bangladesh vs New Zealand matches live? A: Broadcasts vary by region. In Bangladesh, GTV and T Sports typically air matches. In New Zealand, Spark Sport and Sky Sport NZ hold rights. ICC events are also streamed on Disney+ Hotstar and ICC.tv.
Conclusion
The bangladesh national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team timeline is a story of growth, resilience, and the beautiful unpredictability of cricket. From one-sided drubbings in 2001 to Bangladesh’s historic Test triumphs in Christchurch and Chittagong, this rivalry has evolved into one of the most compelling narratives in modern cricket.
Bangladesh’s three Test wins, twelve ODI victories, and competitive T20I record prove they are no longer pushovers. New Zealand, meanwhile, remain a formidable opponent with depth in every format. As both teams progress through the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle and prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup, the next chapter of this rivalry promises even more thrilling cricket.
