DHAKA, May 2, 2026 (BSS)- New Zealand captain Nick Kelly, leading the side in absence of Tom Latham won the toss and sent Bangladesh to bat first in the series-deciding third T20 International at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

Bangladesh are eyeing a rare double-series triumph over New Zealand, having already clinched the ODI series 2-1 after recovering from a 1-0 deficit. 

They also seek a second consecutive T20I series win at home against the visitors, following their 3-2 success in 2021.

The hosts took a 1-0 lead in the T20I series with a thrilling six-wicket victory in the opener, while the second match in Chattogram was abandoned due to persistent rain, setting up a winner-takes-all finale.

A win today would also see Liton Das become Bangladesh's most successful T20I captain, surpassing both Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah Riyad. 

Liton has already matched their tally of 16 wins but achieved it in just 30 matches, compared to Shakib's 39 and Mahmudullah's 43.

Bangladesh made one change, bringing in all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin for Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who misses out due to a back injury. 

New Zealand, meanwhile, retained the same XI as they aim to level the series.

Line Ups:

Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Saif Hassan, Liton Das (c & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Parvez Hossain, Shamim Hossain Patwari, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Ripon Mondol, Shoriful Islam

New Zealand: Katene Clarke, Tim Robinson, Dane Cleaver (wk), Nick Kelly (c), Bevon Jacobs, Dean Foxcroft, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jayden Lennox, Ben Sears