In the opening one-day international, Bangladesh selects to bat first and gives New Zealand the ball.

In the opening one-day international (ODI) between Bangladesh and New Zealand, Bangladesh made an interesting decision by choosing to bat first and giving New Zealand the ball.

 This decision raised eyebrows among cricket enthusiasts and experts, as it is generally considered advantageous to chase a target in limited-overs cricket. However, Bangladesh's decision was not without merit, and it showcased their confidence in their batting lineup and their ability to set a competitive total.

Choosing to bat first in an ODI is often seen as a risky move, as the team batting second has the advantage of knowing the required run rate and can plan their innings accordingly. Additionally, the dew factor in day-night matches can make it challenging for the team batting second to grip the ball and control their bowling.

 These factors make chasing a target a preferred option for many teams.

However, Bangladesh's decision to bat first can be seen as a strategic move to put pressure on New Zealand's bowling attack. By setting a challenging total, Bangladesh aimed to test the strength and depth of New Zealand's batting lineup.

 This decision also allowed Bangladesh's batsmen to dictate the pace of the game and put the pressure on the opposition from the start.

Bangladesh's confidence in their batting lineup is well-founded. Over the years, they have developed a strong group of batsmen who have consistently performed well in international cricket. Players like Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Shakib Al Hasan have proven their ability to score runs against top-quality bowling attacks.

 By opting to bat first, Bangladesh aimed to utilize the skills and experience of their batsmen to set a challenging target for New Zealand.

Another factor that may have influenced Bangladesh's decision is the pitch conditions. 

Assessing the pitch before the start of the match is crucial, as it helps teams determine whether batting or bowling first would be more advantageous. 

If the pitch is expected to deteriorate or become difficult to bat on as the match progresses, batting first can be a wise decision. By doing so, Bangladesh aimed to take advantage of the relatively fresh pitch and put runs on the board before any potential deterioration.

Furthermore, Bangladesh's decision to bat first could also be attributed to their desire to control the game from the beginning. By setting a competitive total, they aimed to put pressure on New Zealand's batsmen and force them to take risks.

 This strategy can often lead to wickets falling at regular intervals, disrupting the opposition's momentum and increasing the chances of victory for the team batting first.

However, despite the rationale behind Bangladesh's decision, it did not yield the desired results in the opening ODI.

 New Zealand's bowlers, led by Trent Boult and Matt Henry, put up an impressive display and restricted Bangladesh to a below-par total. The decision to bat first backfired as Bangladesh lost early wickets and struggled to build partnerships.

 This setback highlights the risks associated with choosing to bat first in limited-overs cricket.

In conclusion, Bangladesh's decision to bat first and give New Zealand the ball in the opening ODI was a calculated move aimed at putting pressure on the opposition and utilizing their strong batting lineup. 

While the decision did not yield the desired results in this particular match, it showcased Bangladesh's confidence in their abilities and their willingness to take risks.

 In the ever-evolving world of cricket, such strategic decisions are essential for teams to stay competitive and challenge the status quo.