New Zealand A has announced a strong 15-member squad, including nine players with BLACKCAPS experience, for their five-match tour of Bangladesh next month.

The tour features three 50-over matches and two four-day games across Sylhet and Dhaka. It aims to nurture New Zealand’s next generation of cricketing talent, following successful A tours against Australia last year.

Wellington Firebirds captain Nick Kelly, who debuted for the BLACKCAPS during the Pakistan ODI series, will lead the team in the List A matches. Northern Districts batter Joe Carter, who shone during New Zealand A’s last subcontinent tour with an average of 60, will captain the side in the red-ball matches.

The batting lineup features BLACKCAPS debutants Rhys Mariu and Muhammad Abbas, along with domestic standouts Matt Boyle, Dale Phillips, and Curtis Heaphy — each scoring over 1,000 domestic runs last season.

Canterbury wicketkeeper-batter Mitch Hay, fresh off 17 BLACKCAPS appearances, also joins the squad, bringing valuable international experience.

The pace attack will be led by Auckland’s Ben Lister, alongside BLACKCAPS bowler Zak Foulkes and Northern Districts' Kristian Clarke. Allrounders Josh Clarkson and Muhammad Abbas will provide seam-bowling options.

The spin department includes Auckland Aces’ Adi Ashok, Central Stags’ Jayden Lennox (receiving his maiden A call-up), and Otago Volts’ Dean Foxcroft offering off-spin options.

The team will be coached by Bob Carter, assisted by Paul Wiseman and Ben McCord. Carter emphasized that the Bangladesh tour would be a valuable challenge for players experiencing subcontinent conditions for the first time.

The squad departs from Auckland on May 1, with the first 50-over match scheduled for May 5 in Sylhet. Matches will be live-scored on nzc.nz and the NZC App. Streaming details will be announced soon.

New Zealand A Squad for Bangladesh Tour:

  • Muhammad Abbas (Wellington Firebirds)

  • Adi Ashok (Auckland Aces)

  • Matt Boyle (Canterbury)

  • Joe Carter (Northern Districts) – Red-ball captain

  • Kristian Clarke (Northern Districts)

  • Josh Clarkson (Central Stags)

  • Zak Foulkes (Canterbury)

  • Dean Foxcroft (Otago Volts)

  • Mitch Hay (Canterbury)

  • Curtis Heaphy (Central Stags)

  • Nick Kelly (Wellington Firebirds) – White-ball captain

  • Jayden Lennox (Central Stags)

  • Ben Lister (Auckland Aces)

  • Rhys Mariu (Canterbury)

  • Dale Phillips (Otago Volts)

Match Schedule:

50-Over Matches:

  • 1st ODI: May 5 – Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, 3.30 PM NZT

  • 2nd ODI: May 7 – Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, 3.30 PM NZT

  • 3rd ODI: May 10 – Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, 3.30 PM NZT

4-Day Matches:

  • 1st Match: May 14-17 – Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, 4 PM NZT

  • 2nd Match: May 21-24 – Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka, 4 PM NZT