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The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) made an exciting announcement on Tuesday, revealing the national squad for the first two T20Is in the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand. This series is set to kick off on April 27 and will run through May 2. 

The first two matches will take place at the Bir Shrestha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Motiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram, while the final T20I will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. 

In a strategic move, the hosts have decided to shake things up with a fresh pace attack for these initial games, opting to rest some of their key bowlers, including Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Nahid Rana. 

Making his debut in the T20I squad is pace-bowling all-rounder Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, who also has the ability to chip in with some valuable runs lower down the batting order. 

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Additionally, fast bowler Ripon Mondal, recognized for his prowess in the death overs, has earned his spot in the team as a reward for his consistent performances. The 23-year-old has played in three T20 matches for Bangladesh, all during the 2023 Asian Games cricket competition. 

Currently, Bangladesh is in the midst of an ODI series against New Zealand, having gained some momentum with a six-wicket victory in the second match after losing the first by 26 runs. The final ODI is set to be played at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium on Thursday. 

Historically, these two teams have faced off 20 times in T20Is, with New Zealand holding a strong lead with 15 wins, while Bangladesh has managed to secure four victories, and one match ended without a result.

Litton Das (c), Mohammed Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Mohammed Saif Hassan, Shamim Hossain, Tawhid Hridoy, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Ripon Mondol, Shaif Uddin and Abdul Gaffar Saqlain.