DHAKA, April 13, 2026 (BSS)—New Zealand captain Tom Latham has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to adapt to Bangladesh’s spin-friendly conditions as they prepare for the upcoming white-ball series.

Speaking ahead of the tour, Latham acknowledged that spin will be a decisive factor, especially on pitches that behave very differently from those in New Zealand. 

He stressed the importance of preparation and adaptability when playing in unfamiliar conditions, noting that early adjustment could be key to gaining momentum in the series.

“We know that spin plays a massive part and that conditions will look different than they do in New Zealand,” Latham said. “When traveling to a foreign environment, the preparation leading up to the game is vital to starting the series well. It is important that we adapt, and we hope to do that effectively.”

During their last ODI tour of Bangladesh in 2023, New Zealand handled spin effectively and secured a 2-0 series victory, which was their first ODI series win in the country since 2013. 

Despite arriving this time without several first-choice players due to commitments in tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL), Latham remains optimistic.

He highlighted that the absence of senior players presents a valuable opportunity for emerging talents. 

According to him, all squad members already have international experience, which should help maintain competitiveness while also strengthening the team’s overall depth.

“With several players currently participating in the IPL and PSL, this tour presents opportunities for younger players or those with less experience than usual,” he said.

“However, every member of the squad has represented New Zealand at some point, whether in T20 or one-day cricket. The fact that everyone has international experience should bode well for the upcoming tour. Furthermore, gaining more experience for these players helps build depth throughout the lineup,” he added.

New Zealand are set to begin training at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday after a rest day. The ODI series will be played on April 17, 20, and 23, followed by T20Is on April 27, 29, and May 2.

Matches will be split between two venues-- Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur and the Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Motiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh—fresh from consecutive home series wins against West Indies cricket team and Pakistan national cricket team—will head into the series as favourites, having retained the same squad that delivered recent success.