Online Desk: Bangladesh opted to bowl first against New Zealand in the opener of the three-match series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Tigers skipper Liton Das explained his decision to bowl as he pointed out that the wicket has been under covers for the past couple of days.

Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah Riyad made come backs to the side for the Tigers, while youngster Tanzid Tamim retained his place in the side.

All-rounder Soumya Sarker found his place in the eleven and pacer Tanzim Sakib plays as the second pacer along with the experinced Mustafizur Rahman.

Bangladesh XI: Litton Das, Tamim Iqbal, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah, Towhid Hridoy, Mahedi Hasan, Nurul Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman

New Zealand XI: Finn Allen, Will Young, Chad Bowes, Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Cole McConchie, Ish Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson, Lockie Ferguson (capt), Trent Boult