CHATTOGRAM, Bangladesh – The third and final One-Day International (ODI) between Bangladesh and New Zealand, which will decide the winner of the three-match series, got underway Thursday with New Zealand captain Tom Latham winning the pre-match coin toss and electing to send the Bangladesh side into bat first. The closely contested series has been split through the first two matches, setting the stage for a high-stakes final showdown in Chattogram. The host Bangladesh side suffered a narrow 26-run defeat in the opening fixture of the series, but bounced back dramatically in the second match to secure a six-wicket win that leveled the overall series 1-1. Fast bowler Nahid Rana was the standout performer of Bangladesh’s comeback victory, claiming a five-wicket haul that derailed New Zealand’s batting innings and paved the way for the hosts’ win. Ahead of the decider, Bangladesh’s team management made two key adjustments to their starting lineup. Pace specialist Mustafizur Rahman and left-arm spin bowler Tanvir Islam earned starting spots, replacing Taskin Ahmed and Rishad Hossain respectively. The updated full starting lineup for Bangladesh is: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Liton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Tanvir Islam, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, and Nahid Rana. For New Zealand, who are targeting a second consecutive series win on Bangladeshi soil, the coaching staff also made one starting lineup change. Left-arm pace bowler Ben Lister was recalled to the team, taking the place of paceman Blair Tickner in the starting eleven. New Zealand’s full starting lineup for the series-deciding ODI is: Henry Nicholls, Nick Kelly, Will Young, Tom Latham (captain), Muhammad Abbas, Dean Foxcroft, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, Jayden Lennox, William O’Rourke, and Ben Lister. More updates on international cricket can be found via AP News’ dedicated cricket hub at the link: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket.