by Every sport has benchmark relationships that measure progress and define eras. In cricket, certain matchups serve as barometers for how nations develop, strategies evolve, and competitive landscapes shift over time.
These aren’t always the most famous rivalries, but they reveal the most about cricket’s changing dynamics.
The bangladesh national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team timeline offers exactly this kind of revealing narrative.
Spanning more than two decades, it captures fundamental truths about international cricket development, how teams build from nothing, where advantages come from, and what factors truly determine long-term success.
Cricket analysts often focus on marquee matchups: India vs Australia, England vs South Africa, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka.
These draw massive audiences and generate endless commentary.
But sometimes the most instructive stories happen slightly outside the spotlight, where we can observe pure competitive evolution without overwhelming hype or historical baggage clouding analysis.
This particular relationship began when one team was still finding its international identity while the other had already established itself among cricket’s respected nations.
The contrast in experience, infrastructure, and playing conditions created clear advantages. Nobody expected competitive balance, and for good reason, based on early encounters.
What makes this timeline worth examining isn’t the starting point but the journey that followed. How does a team close enormous gaps against quality opposition?
What patterns emerge when nations at different development stages meet repeatedly? Which improvements matter most—technical skills, mental strength, home advantage, or something else entirely?
Understanding this evolution provides insights valuable far beyond these two teams specifically.
Bangladesh National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline
A Story of Two Nations: From Cricket Mismatch to Thrilling Rivalry
Twenty-five years ago, when Bangladesh and New Zealand played cricket, nobody expected close contests. The matches were predictable—New Zealand would win comfortably, Bangladesh would learn lessons, and everyone moved on.
But cricket has a beautiful way of writing unexpected stories.
The Bangladesh National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline is one of sport’s most inspiring transformation stories. It’s about a young cricket nation refusing to accept inferiority. It’s about learning from every defeat, celebrating small victories, and eventually standing eye-to-eye with an established powerhouse.
Bangladesh started as cricket’s apprentices, getting hammered match after match. New Zealand was the experienced master, winning effortlessly across all formats. The gap seemed permanent—in skill, resources, experience, and mental strength.
But something changed over the years.
Bangladesh built infrastructure. They developed players through better domestic competitions. Young cricketers grew up watching their heroes compete internationally. The fear disappeared. Confidence replaced doubt.
Today, when these two teams meet, the outcome isn’t guaranteed anymore. Bangladesh has beaten New Zealand in Test matches on Kiwi soil. They’ve won ODI and T20 series. They’ve proven that with the right preparation and belief, any team can challenge any opponent.
This isn’t just cricket history. It’s a story about persistence, growth, and the universal truth that hard work eventually pays off.
Let’s walk through this remarkable journey, year by year, match by match.
The Timeline: 12 Milestones That Changed Everything
1. 1990 – The First Meeting (ICC Trophy)
Bangladesh and New Zealand faced each other for the first time in an ICC Trophy match. Bangladesh was an associate nation with big dreams. New Zealand won easily, but the encounter planted seeds for future battles.
2. 2000 – Bangladesh Gains Test Status
The biggest moment in Bangladeshi cricket history. They became the 10th Test-playing nation. Now matches against New Zealand would count in official records and world rankings.
3. 2001 – Reality Check (First ODI Series at Home)
New Zealand toured Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series and won 3-0. The victories weren’t even close. Bangladesh realized how much work lay ahead.
4. 2010 – First Test Series in New Zealand
Bangladesh traveled to New Zealand for a two-Test series. They lost both matches heavily, but the experience of playing in seaming conditions taught valuable lessons.
5. 2013 – The Breakthrough (2-2 ODI Series Draw)
For the first time, Bangladesh didn’t lose a home ODI series against New Zealand. The 2-2 draw proved they could compete in favorable conditions with crowd support behind them.
6. 2016 – Historic Test Series Win at Home
Bangladesh won their first-ever Test series against New Zealand, claiming victory 1-0 on home soil. The triumph showed their red-ball cricket was maturing rapidly.
7. 2019 – Respect Earned (World Cup Match)
During the ICC World Cup in England, Bangladesh pushed New Zealand hard. Though they lost, the narrow margin earned respect. New Zealand knew Bangladesh wouldn’t be easy anymore.
8. 2021 – T20 Series Victory (3-2 at Home)
September 2021 brought Bangladesh’s greatest limited-overs achievement against New Zealand—winning a five-match T20I series 3-2. The victory announced Bangladesh’s arrival in modern cricket’s fastest format.
9. 2022 – Mount Maunganui Miracle
Bangladesh achieved the unthinkable—winning a Test match in New Zealand for the first time ever. The 8-wicket victory at Mount Maunganui was their greatest away triumph.
10. 2023 – Home Test Dominance (150-Run Victory)
Bangladesh crushed New Zealand by 150 runs in a home Test match, showcasing depth in both batting and bowling. The comprehensive win proved their home dominance wasn’t accidental.
11. 2023 – ODI Series Character (Napier Comeback)
After losing the first two ODIs in New Zealand, Bangladesh bounced back with a stunning 9-wicket victory in the final match at Napier, showing mental strength and resilience.
12. 2024 – Ongoing Rivalry
The relationship continues evolving. Both teams respect each other. Matches are competitive. The timeline keeps adding exciting chapters.
The ODI Story: Where Bangladesh Found Belief
One-Day International cricket became the format where Bangladesh first troubled New Zealand consistently. The 50-over game suited their aggressive stroke-play and crafty spin bowling.
Complete ODI Head-to-Head Summary:
| Category | Bangladesh | New Zealand | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Matches | 46 | 46 | — |
| Wins | 11 | 34 | 1 |
| Home Wins | 8 | 18 | — |
| Away Wins | 3 | 16 | — |
| Win Percentage | 23.9% | 73.9% | — |
| Most Iconic Encounter | December 2023, Napier – Bangladesh won by 9 wickets chasing 254 |
Looking at Bangladesh vs New Zealand all match result across ODI cricket, New Zealand clearly dominates with 34 victories. But dig deeper and you’ll find Bangladesh’s improvement story.
In the first decade (2000-2010), Bangladesh won maybe 2-3 ODIs total. In the second decade (2010-2020), they won 6-7 matches. Recent years show them winning 40% of home ODIs against the Black Caps.
The BAN vs NZ ODI contests at home have become genuinely unpredictable. Spin-friendly pitches in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Mirpur give Bangladesh massive advantages. Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan, and Mustafizur Rahman exploit these conditions brilliantly.
Bangladesh vs New Zealand head to head in ODI World Cup remains challenging for the Tigers. In major ICC tournaments, New Zealand’s experience and composure under pressure usually prevails. But margins have narrowed—losses that were once 100+ run defeats are now tight 20-30 run contests.
The December 2023 series perfectly captured this rivalry’s evolution. New Zealand won the first two matches convincingly in their seaming conditions. Everyone expected a clean sweep. But Bangladesh roared back in Napier, chasing 254 with ease, losing just one wicket.
That performance sent a message: Bangladesh wouldn’t surrender anymore. They’d fight every match, every series, every tournament.
Test Cricket: From Helpless Defeats to Historic Victories
Test cricket was Bangladesh’s nightmare for nearly two decades. The five-day format exposed every weakness—technical batting flaws, lack of pace bowling penetration, poor fielding, and mental fragility.
New Zealand won 14 of their first 17 Tests against Bangladesh. Many matches ended inside three days. Bangladesh struggled to bat more than 50 overs consistently.
The Turning Points That Changed Test Cricket:
- 2016 Home Series Win – First Test series victory gave Bangladesh belief they could compete in red-ball cricket
- Development of Pace Attack – Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Ebadot Hossain provided genuine pace options
- Batting Maturity – Players like Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim learned to build long innings
- Spin Depth – Mehidy Hasan and Taijul Islam created a formidable spin partnership
- Mental Toughness – Years of Test cricket taught Bangladesh how to handle pressure sessions
The Mount Maunganui Miracle (January 2022):
Bangladesh’s maiden Test victory in New Zealand remains their finest achievement in this rivalry.
Playing at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, Bangladesh bowled brilliantly in both innings. Ebadot Hossain took 6 wickets in the second innings, dismantling New Zealand’s batting lineup with pace and bounce.
Chasing a modest target, Bangladesh won by 8 wickets. Players celebrated like they’d won a World Cup. And rightfully so—winning in New Zealand, in seaming conditions, was their Everest conquered.
The Dhaka Dominance (November 2023):
Bangladesh followed up with an even more comprehensive victory at home. They won by 150 runs, controlling the match from start to finish.
Mehidy Hasan’s 5-wicket haul and solid batting contributions from Najmul Hossain showed Bangladesh’s all-round strength. This wasn’t luck—it was superiority.
These two Test victories transformed the Bangladesh National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline from a boring, one-sided record into a genuine competitive rivalry worth following.
T20I Rivalry: The New Generation Takes Over
Twenty20 cricket brought fresh energy to this rivalry. The format’s unpredictability suited Bangladesh’s aggressive young players who weren’t burdened by past defeats.
Overall T20I Record:
- Total Matches: 20
- New Zealand Wins: 15
- Bangladesh Wins: 4
- No Result: 1
The numbers still favor New Zealand, but T20 contests are closer than any other format. Most matches are decided in the final overs by small margins.
September 2021: Bangladesh’s Breakthrough Series
The five-match T20I series in Bangladesh changed everything. Bangladesh won 3-2, claiming their first T20 series victory against New Zealand.
How Bangladesh Won:
Match 1: New Zealand won easily, taking early advantage.
Match 2: Bangladesh bounced back with clinical bowling, leveling the series 1-1.
Match 3: The Tigers took the lead 2-1 with aggressive batting and smart death bowling.
Match 4: New Zealand fought back, tying the series 2-2. Everything came down to the final match.
Match 5: Bangladesh delivered under pressure, winning comfortably and taking the series 3-2.
The Stars Who Made It Happen:
Nasum Ahmed’s left-arm spin mesmerized New Zealand batsmen. Mustafizur Rahman’s slower balls proved unplayable at the death. Afif Hossain and Mahedi Hasan provided batting depth. Liton Das anchored chases with calm finishing.
This series victory gave Bangladesh’s young generation massive confidence. They realized they could beat anyone at home in T20 cricket.
The Players Who Defined This Rivalry
The Bangladesh national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team players have created unforgettable moments across 25 years.
Greatest Performers in This Rivalry:
| Team | Top Batsman | Runs Scored | Top Bowler | Wickets Taken | Most Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | Ross Taylor | 1,010 (ODI) | Kyle Mills | 33 (ODI) | Ross Taylor (35) |
| Bangladesh | Mushfiqur Rahim | 792 (ODI) | Shakib Al Hasan | 38 (ODI) | Shakib Al Hasan (40) |
New Zealand’s Match-Winners:
Ross Taylor was Bangladesh’s biggest nightmare for years. His calm, calculated batting guided New Zealand through countless chases. He treated Bangladeshi bowlers with respect but always found ways to score runs.
Daniel Vettori controlled middle overs with incredible accuracy. His left-arm spin choked Bangladesh’s scoring, creating pressure that led to wickets at the other end.
Kane Williamson brought tactical brilliance and patient batting. His captaincy elevated New Zealand’s performance, especially in tight situations.
Trent Boult troubled Bangladeshi batsmen with swing bowling. His ability to take early wickets often decided matches before they truly began.
Bangladesh’s Heroes:
Shakib Al Hasan is Bangladesh’s greatest all-rounder and their most valuable player in this rivalry. His batting provides stability, his bowling controls middle overs, and his fielding saves crucial runs.
Mushfiqur Rahim anchored countless innings with his wicketkeeping skills and middle-order batting. When Bangladesh needed someone to fight, Mushfiqur stood tall.
Mustafizur Rahman emerged as Bangladesh’s pace weapon with his variations and slower balls. New Zealand batsmen struggled reading his deliveries, especially in death overs.
Ebadot Hossain represents Bangladesh’s new pace generation. His 6-wicket haul in Mount Maunganui announced Bangladesh finally had genuine fast bowlers.
Head-to-Head Summary: The Complete Picture
Bangladesh National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Standings:
| Format | Total Matches | New Zealand Wins | Bangladesh Wins | Draws/No Result | NZ Win % | BAN Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Matches | 19 | 14 | 2 | 3 | 73.7% | 10.5% |
| ODI Matches | 46 | 34 | 11 | 1 | 73.9% | 23.9% |
| T20I Matches | 20 | 15 | 4 | 1 | 75.0% | 20.0% |
| Overall | 85 | 63 | 17 | 5 | 74.1% | 20.0% |
New Zealand dominates overall with 63 wins from 85 matches. But Bangladesh’s 17 victories include some of the most memorable moments in their cricket history.
The trend shows improvement. Bangladesh won 5 matches in the 2000s, 7 in the 2010s, and already 5+ in the 2020s despite fewer matches played.
ICC Tournament Battles: The Big Stage Encounters
Major tournaments added extra spice to this rivalry. World Cup and Champions Trophy matches carried enormous pressure.
ICC Tournament Head-to-Head:
| Tournament | Year | Venue | Format | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Cup | 2011 | Dhaka | ODI | New Zealand Won | 5 wickets |
| Champions Trophy | 2017 | Cardiff | ODI | New Zealand Won | 5 wickets |
| World Cup | 2019 | London | ODI | New Zealand Won | 2 wickets |
| T20 World Cup | 2021 | Sharjah | T20I | New Zealand Won | 8 wickets |
| Champions Trophy | 2025 | Pakistan | ODI | New Zealand Won | Close contest |
New Zealand has won all major tournament encounters, but margins have narrowed significantly. The 2019 World Cup match was decided in the final over—a far cry from the 100+ run defeats of earlier years.
These high-pressure matches have taught Bangladesh invaluable lessons about tournament cricket’s mental demands.
The Latest Chapter: Recent Match Updates
Bangladesh vs New Zealand last match details (as of late 2024):
The most recent ODI series in December 2023 ended 2-1 in New Zealand’s favor. But Bangladesh’s 9-wicket victory in the third match at Napier was their statement win.
Chasing 254, Bangladesh reached the target with 91 balls remaining, losing just one wicket. Litton Das and Najmul Hossain batted brilliantly, making the chase look effortless.
In Test cricket, Bangladesh’s 150-run home victory in November 2023 remains the latest encounter. The comprehensive win showcased Bangladesh’s complete dominance in home conditions.
Recent T20 matches have been competitive, with both teams winning at home but struggling away. The format’s unpredictability keeps fans engaged.
Looking Forward: The Rivalry’s Bright Future
The Bangladesh National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline has transformed from a one-sided domination into a genuine rivalry worth watching.
Bangladesh’s investment in youth development, pace bowling infrastructure, and fielding standards is paying dividends. Players like Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Towhid Hridoy represent the next generation ready to challenge New Zealand.
New Zealand continues producing quality cricketers through their excellent domestic system. Their adaptability to different conditions and tournament experience keeps them competitive.
Future series promise closer contests, more upsets, and thrilling cricket. Bangladesh now has the confidence and skill to challenge New Zealand anywhere. Home series could go either way. Even away tours offer Bangladesh realistic chances of victories.
This rivalry proves that in cricket, persistence and hard work eventually break down barriers. Bangladesh’s journey from hopeless underdogs to competitive equals inspires cricket nations worldwide.
The best part? The story isn’t finished. More chapters await—more Test victories, ODI series wins, T20 thrillers, and World Cup battles.
Cricket fans everywhere should watch this rivalry closely. It represents sport at its finest—two nations respecting each other, competing fiercely, and creating memories that last forever.
Also Check:
- Australian Men’s Cricket Team Vs India National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
- India National Cricket Team Vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline
- South Africa National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline
- Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Timeline
- Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs India National Cricket Team Timeline
- West Indies Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline
