The experienced duo of Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah have been added to Bangladesh’s 15-man squad for the first two One-Day Internationals in the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand.
Tamim hasn’t participated in an ODI since the game against Afghanistan in July due to a back injury, and Mahmudullah hasn’t had a chance since the home series against England in March.
Since the Bangladesh Cricket Board opted to rest Shakib Al Hasan for the series, Mahmudullah won’t be leading the squad against the Kiwis. Liton Das will take over in his place.
Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Shariful Islam from the previous Asia Cup team were also given a break to be ready for the World Cup. Other players joined Shakib in taking a break. The team management decided not to risk Najmul Hossain Shanto, who is currently rehabilitating from a hamstring injury, before the World Cup.
Given that the forthcoming World Cup in India would be a long competition where preserving the cricketers’ mental and physical condition will be vital, the decision to rest players was made. According to chief selector Mihanjul Abedin, the series against New Zealand will give us the opportunity to evaluate a few more players before this crucial competition.
Mohammad Naim, Afif Hossain, and Shamim Hossain, who were all a part of the squad that participated in the Asia Cup, were dropped for the series against New Zealand; nevertheless, Soumya Sarkar and Nurul Hasan Sohan also joined the group.
The selectors also included three uncapped players, Zakir Hasan, Syed Khaled Ahmed, and Rishad Hossain, to the roster.
The only players who haven’t yet played in an ODI are Rishad, Zakir, and Khaled. The team consists of athletes of all ages. Zakir was on the verge of doing so when an unfortunate injury prevented him from participating against Ireland in March. Khaled did particularly well on his list. According to Minhajul, Rishad and his career have given our bowling attack a new dimension.
Bangladesh will begin practising on September 19 in order to be prepared for the series, which will be played at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on September 21, 23, and 26.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Zakir Hasan, Rishad Hossain, and Syed Khaled Ahmed are other members of the Bangladeshi team. The others include Mahmudullah, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, and Mustafizur Rahman. Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Tawhid Hridoy, and others. The squad captain, Liton Das, assumes command.
