New Faces Abbas & Lennox in NZ A Squad for Bangladesh Tour: A talented New Zealand A squad, featuring nine players with blackcaps experience, will travel to Bangladesh next month for a five-match series comprising three List A one-dayers and two four-day fixtures. The tour, set to take place in Sylhet and Dhaka, aims to develop emerging talent and build on the success of last year’s A series against Australia.
Wellington Firebirds captain Nick Kelly, who recently made his BLACKCAPS debut against Pakistan, will lead the side in the 50-over matches, while Northern Districts’ Joe Carter takes charge for the four-day games. Carter has a strong record in subcontinental conditions, averaging 60 and scoring two centuries during New Zealand A’s 2022 tour of India, including a career-best 197.
The batting lineup boasts several standout performers from the domestic season, including recent BLACKCAPS debutants Rhys Mariu and Muhammad Abbas, as well as Canterbury’s Matt Boyle, Otago’s Dale Phillips, and Central Stags’ Curtis Heaphy. All three scored over 1,000 runs in the 2024-25 season, with Boyle topping the Super Smash charts, Phillips leading Otago’s run-scoring, and Heaphy dominating the Ford Trophy.
Canterbury’s Mitch Hay, who has already played 17 international matches since his debut last November, will take the gloves. The 24-year-old recently impressed with an unbeaten 99 against Pakistan, showcasing his potential at the highest level.
The pace attack will be led by Ben Lister, a seasoned BLACKCAPS campaigner returning from injury, alongside rising stars Zak Foulkes and Kristian Clarke. All-rounders Josh Clarkson and Muhammad Abbas add depth, with Abbas providing a left-arm seam option.
Spin duties will be handled by Adi Ashok, a leg-spinner with ODI experience, and Jayden Lennox, a left-arm spinner earning his first New Zealand A call-up after a strong Plunket Shield season. Otago’s Dean Foxcroft also offers an off-spin alternative.
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The team will be coached by Bob Carter, supported by Paul Wiseman and Ben McCord, blending experience and fresh perspectives.
Tour Schedule
The squad departs on 1st of May, with the first 50-over match on 5th of May in Sylhet. The four-day fixtures begin on 14th of May, with the final game in Dhaka from May 21-24. Live scoring will be available on NZC platforms, with streaming details to be confirmed.
This tour presents a crucial opportunity for New Zealand’s next generation to prove themselves in challenging subcontinental conditions, further strengthening the country’s cricketing depth.
New Zealand A Squad
Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Matt Boyle, Joe Carter (red-ball captain), Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay, Curtis Heaphy, Nick Kelly (white-ball captain), Jayden Lennox, Ben Lister, Rhys Mariu, Dale Phillips.
Fixtures
1st 4-day match: May 14-17, Sylhet
2nd 4-day match: May 21-24, Dhaka
1st 50-over match: May 5, Sylhet
2nd 50-over match: May 7, Sylhet
3rd 50-over match: May 10, Sylhet
