Introduction: Bangladesh National cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team timeline
When you hear about famous cricket rivalries, your mind probably jumps to the high-voltage clashes—India vs Pakistan, or the Ashes between England and Australia. But not every story in cricket is built on hype and history. Some rivalries develop quietly, step by step, until one day they become too compelling to ignore.
That’s exactly what’s happening with the matches between Bangladesh and New Zealand. This isn’t a rivalry that makes headlines for drama or controversy—but it has produced some unforgettable moments, big surprises, and steady growth, especially for Bangladesh.
Let’s take a look at how this under-the-radar cricketing relationship has unfolded over the years.
Table of Contents
The Early Encounters (2001–2004)
Bangladesh’s cricket journey against New Zealand began in 2001, during their tour of New Zealand for a two-match Test series. It was a steep challenge for a team still finding its feet in international cricket. The Kiwis dominated both matches, winning by an innings each in Hamilton and Wellington.
The following year, in 2002, they crossed paths in the ICC Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka. The result? Another easy win for New Zealand. In those early days, it was clear Bangladesh had a long way to go.
The Mid-2000s: New Zealand in Total Control (2005–2010)
For most of the 2000s, New Zealand remained well ahead. Whether it was ODIs or Tests, Bangladesh simply couldn’t match their experience or skill.
One of the toughest tours for the Tigers came in 2007, when they visited New Zealand again. The home team whitewashed them 3-0 in the ODIs and followed it up with a 2-0 clean sweep in the Tests. Bowlers like Shane Bond and batters like Ross Taylor were just too good.
Still, Bangladesh was slowly gaining experience—lessons that would later pay off.
2010: The Breakthrough Bangladesh Needed
In October 2010, New Zealand toured Bangladesh for a 5-match ODI series. Most expected the visitors to walk away with another series win. Instead, Bangladesh shocked the cricketing world.
Led by an inspired Shakib Al Hasan, the Tigers won the series 4-0 (one match was washed out). It was their first-ever series win against New Zealand—and it wasn’t a fluke. Shakib was outstanding with both bat and ball, and the whole team played with confidence and belief.
This moment marked a turning point. Bangladesh had announced themselves.
Still Learning the Hard Way in Tests (2010s)
Despite that success in ODIs, Bangladesh continued to struggle in Test cricket against the Black Caps—especially away from home.
In 2013, New Zealand came to Bangladesh for a two-match Test series. Both matches ended in draws, which felt like a small victory for the home side. They had shown they could hang in there.
But in 2017, during Bangladesh’s tour of New Zealand, things got tougher again. One match, in particular—the Wellington Test—stood out. Bangladesh posted a massive 595/8 declared in the first innings. It should have been enough. But New Zealand, led by Kane Williamson and Tom Latham, pulled off a remarkable comeback win. It was heartbreaking for Bangladesh, but it also proved how far they’d come.
World Cup Drama: 2015 & 2019
The two teams also met on the world stage, where the pressure is always higher.
In the 2015 World Cup, Bangladesh gave New Zealand a good fight in Hamilton, but the Kiwis held on for the win. Still, Bangladesh’s performance raised eyebrows—they were no longer just there to make up the numbers.
Then came the 2019 World Cup in England. Bangladesh had just beaten South Africa and were flying high. Their next match was against New Zealand at The Oval. It turned into a thriller. Bangladesh posted a decent total, and New Zealand just barely chased it down with two wickets to spare. The match could’ve gone either way—and it showed how evenly matched the two sides had become.
T20 Cricket: Bangladesh’s New Playground
In recent years, Bangladesh has grown into a strong T20 side—especially on their home turf.
A key moment came in 2021, when New Zealand toured Bangladesh for a 5-match T20I series. The conditions in Dhaka were slow and spin-friendly, and Bangladesh took full advantage. With sharp bowling from Nasum Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, and steady leadership from Mahmudullah, they edged out the visitors 3-2 in the series.
It was another big step forward, especially with the T20 World Cup on the horizon.
Recent Years: A More Level Playing Field (2022–2024)
Between 2022 and 2024, matches between Bangladesh and New Zealand have become much more competitive.
Bangladesh’s squad now includes talented young players like Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Shoriful Islam. They’ve brought energy, skill, and confidence. New Zealand, meanwhile, continues to rely on a core group that includes Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and of course, their seasoned captain Kane Williamson.
The results reflect this balance. No longer are these matches one-sided affairs—both teams know they have to bring their A-game every time they meet.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
This match-up might not grab as many headlines as the bigger rivalries, but it’s growing into something meaningful.
For Bangladesh, the next goal is clear: win more matches away from home, especially on the fast, bouncy tracks in New Zealand. The talent is there—they just need more time and exposure to tough conditions.
For New Zealand, the challenge is to stay ahead by developing new talent while maintaining their high standards. They’ve been one of the most consistent teams in world cricket, and they’ll want to keep it that way.
With more ICC tournaments and bilateral series on the calendar, there’s plenty more to come in this steadily building rivalry.
Final Thoughts
The Bangladesh vs New Zealand story isn’t about big drama or heated words. It’s about growth, patience, and quiet determination.
From getting thrashed in the early 2000s to competing neck-and-neck in World Cups and winning home series, Bangladesh’s rise has been inspiring. New Zealand, on the other hand, has continued to play quality cricket with grace and consistency.
What started as a mismatch has become a proper contest. And as both teams continue to evolve, this low-key rivalry might just become one of cricket’s most respected ones.
