Allen tests positive as teams check in

The New Zealand cricket team arrived in Dhaka yesterday to participate against Bangladesh in a bilateral five-match T20I series starting from September 1 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

The Black Caps landed at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and quickly moved to the Hotel Intercontinental, where the team will undergo mandatory room quarantine for three days. The visitors will undergo multiple phases of Covid-19 testing before New Zealand and Bangladesh start training in Mirpur from August 27.

This is New Zealand's first tour to Bangladesh since 2013 when the Tigers whitewashed the Black Caps in a three-match ODI series. However, Bangladesh are yet to register a win against the Kiwis in 10 T20I games and the Tigers will hope to rewrite history this time.

Members of the Bangladesh team also checked into the hotel yesterday, barring star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan -- who had traveled to Saudi Arabia from the United States after spending time with his family. He was expected to land in Dhaka yesterday night.

Meanwhile, Kiwi opener Finn Allen, who arrived in Bangladesh from England after playing The Hundred four days prior to the rest of the squad on August 20, tested positive for Covid-19 yesterday.  Allen and Colin de Grandhomme reached Dhaka from England on the same day and had been quarantined in their rooms since.

The 22-year-old is currently receiving treatment from the Bangladesh Cricket Board's chief medical officer and has been in contact with NZC's chief medical officer. He will be monitored during his stay in quarantine by Blackcaps doctor Pat McHugh.