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Bangladesh are set to embark on an important tour to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), facing Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series starting on Wednesday (November 6) in Sharjah.
ODI squad announcement against Afghanistan
This series presents a vital opportunity for Bangladesh to reclaim their competitive edge following a challenging period, having recently faced a clean sweep against India in both Test (2-0) and T20 formats, as well as a 2-0 Test series loss to South Africa. In preparation for the series, the Bangladesh national cricket team has announced their ODI squad, which will be led by Nazmul Hossain Shanto. This selection is particularly significant, as Shanto has expressed reluctance to continue in his role as captain across all formats. Nonetheless, his leadership will be pivotal as the team seeks to turn their fortunes around.
New faces, returning players and key absentees
The squad features several notable inclusions:
- Nahid Rana: The 22-year-old fast bowler is the only uncapped player in the ODI squad, marking a significant opportunity for him to make his international debut.
- Jaker Ali: The wicketkeeper has also been included, providing depth behind the stumps.
- Zakir Hasan and Nasum Ahmed: Both players are making a return to the national side after a year-long absence, bringing experience and skill to the team.
Bangladesh will be without key players for this series:
- Litton Das: The wicketkeeper-batter is still recovering from illness, which will be a notable loss for the team.
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Hasan Mahmud: Both pacers have been ruled out due to injuries, further depleting the bowling attack.
Also READ: Bangladesh unveils squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan; Najmul Hossain Shanto to remain as captain
Bangladesh’s top-choice playing XI for the ODI series against Afghanistan
1. Top Order
- Tanzid Hasan Tamim (Opening Batsman): A dynamic opener who can set a strong foundation with his aggressive batting style.
- Soumya Sarkar (Opening Batsman): An experienced left-handed batsman known for his ability to exploit early bowling weaknesses and accelerate scoring.
- Zakir Hasan (Top-order Batsman): A solid left-hander who excels in building partnerships and stabilizing the innings when wickets fall.
2. Middle Order
- Nazmul Hossain Shanto (Captain & Middle-order Batsman): The team captain who balances aggression with caution, vital for guiding the innings and making strategic decisions.
- Mushfiqur Rahim (Wicketkeeper-Batsman): A seasoned campaigner who brings experience and skill to the middle order, crucial for both stability and finishing capabilities.
- Mahmudullah Riyad (All-rounder): An all-rounder with the ability to play crucial innings and bowl vital overs, providing depth to both batting and bowling departments.
- Tawhid Hridoy (Middle-order Batsman): A promising young talent capable of playing both attacking and anchoring roles, injecting energy into the batting lineup.
3. All-Rounders and Lower Order
- Mehidy Hassan Miraz (Vice-Captain & All-rounder): A key all-rounder known for his effective spin bowling and lower-order batting, providing balance to the team.
4. Bowling Attack
- Taskin Ahmed (Fast Bowler): The leading fast bowler, known for his pace and ability to take crucial early wickets to set the tone in matches.
- Mustafizur Rahman (Fast Bowler): A left-arm pacer with exceptional variation, making him a key weapon in the middle overs to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm.
- Shoriful Islam (Fast Bowler): A left-arm fast bowler who adds variety to the attack and possesses the ability to swing the ball and take wickets at crucial moments.
Key Considerations:
- Batting Depth: This lineup ensures there are adequate batting options, with the likes of Mahmudullah and Mehidy capable of contributing significantly down the order.
- Bowling Attack: A balanced bowling attack with a mix of pace and spin is vital, especially considering the conditions in the UAE, which may assist spin bowlers.
- Leadership: With Nazmul Hossain Shanto as captain and Mehidy Hassan as vice-captain, the team benefits from strong leadership on the field.
