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United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to take on Bangladesh in a two-match T20I series beginning on May 17. The series promises an exciting contest as both sides look to test combinations ahead of the global T20 events on the horizon.
Litton Das to lead Bangladesh in UAE tour
For Bangladesh, this series marks a new chapter in leadership. Litton Das has been handed the captaincy, stepping into the role following Najmul Hossain Shanto‘s decision to step down earlier this year. The management recently announced a 16-member squad, offering a mix of experience and promising young talent for the UAE tour.
With a tightly packed schedule and big tournaments approaching, the Bangladesh team will aim to make the most of this series by testing their bench strength and solidifying their core.
Bangladesh’s top-choice playing XI for the T20I series against UAE
1. Litton Das (Captain)
- Role: Opening batter
- Strength: Aggressive strokeplay and leadership experience
- Expectations: Litton will lead from the front both as a batter and captain. His role will be crucial in giving Bangladesh fast starts in the powerplay and managing the fielding setup smartly. As one of the most experienced players in the XI, he must also guide the youngsters, make tactical bowling changes, and inspire the team with a composed presence.
2. Tanzid Hasan
- Role: Opening batter
- Strength: Left-handed power-hitter with a fearless approach
- Expectations: Tanzid is expected to play the aggressor’s role during the powerplay, taking on the new ball bowlers and putting pressure on the opposition from the outset. A quickfire 30–40 from him at the top could shift the momentum in Bangladesh’s favour early in the innings. He will also look to cement his place as a regular top-order option.
3. Najmul Hossain Shanto
- Role: Top-order batter
- Strength: Technically sound with the ability to anchor the innings
- Expectations: Shanto will provide solidity at No. 3, especially if an early wicket falls. He should anchor the innings when needed and also shift gears when the platform is set. Consistency will be key, and the team will rely on him to bat deep into the innings, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
4. Towhid Hridoy
- Role: Middle-order batter
- Strength: Ability to shift gears and handle pressure situations
- Expectations: Hridoy shall be the engine room of the batting lineup, coming in at a crucial stage where the team either needs to rebuild or accelerate. He will be tasked with playing the role of a dynamic middle-order batter who can handle pace and spin with equal ease, building partnerships and finishing games.
5. Soumya Sarkar
- Role: Middle-order batter and part-time bowler
- Strength: Versatility with both bat and ball
- Expectations: Soumya brings balance and is expected to adapt according to the match situation — either by going for big shots in the lower middle order or providing a steady hand if early wickets fall. His medium pace could be used tactically, especially if the surface offers grip, making him a handy all-round asset.
Also READ: Bangladesh appoints new T20I captain ahead of their tour to UAE and Pakistan
6. Jaker Ali (wk)
- Role: Wicketkeeper-batter
- Strength: Calm under pressure and reliable in chases
- Expectations: As a wicketkeeper, Jaker will need to be sharp behind the stumps, especially with spinners like Rishad and Mahedi operating. This series is an opportunity for him to show his temperament in tight situations. His finishing ability will be tested, especially in tight situations.
7. Mahedi Hasan
- Role: All-rounder (off-spin and lower-order batting)
- Strength: Tight bowling in the powerplay and useful batting cameos
- Expectations: Mahedi will be expected to play a dual role — delivering tight overs in the powerplay or middle overs and adding quick runs with the bat down the order. As vice-captain, he will also assist Litton in field placements and bowling strategies, making his presence pivotal on the field.
8. Rishad Hossain
- Role: Leg-spinner
- Strength: Wicket-taking ability in the middle overs
- Expectations: Rishad is supposed to take wickets during the middle overs, especially by tempting batters with flight and variations. He has the potential to be a game-changer with the ball and will be watched closely for how he handles pressure in international conditions.
9. Mustafizur Rahman
- Role: Left-arm fast bowler
- Strength: Experience and variations, especially in death overs
- Expectations: As the senior pacer, Mustafizur will be relied upon to lead the bowling unit, especially in the death overs where his cutters and slower balls can be most effective. The team expects him to deliver breakthroughs and contain runs at crucial junctures, using his experience in global T20 leagues.
10. Shoriful Islam
- Role: Left-arm fast bowler
- Strength: Raw pace and aggression
- Expectations: Shoriful will attack with the new ball, looking for early wickets with his natural left-arm angle. His pace and aggression will be vital in unsettling the UAE top order. Additionally, he’ll need to deliver economically at the death alongside Mustafizur.
11. Tanzim Hasan Sakib
- Role: Right-arm fast bowler
- Strength: Control and energy
- Expectations: Tanzim will be expected to bowl disciplined lines and lengths, especially in the middle overs. With his youthful energy and sharp bowling, he can offer breakthroughs when the game drifts. He’ll also serve as a backup option for both new-ball and death-over roles, showcasing his all-phase bowling utility.
Also READ: Bangladesh appoints new fast-bowling coach ahead of crucial international calendar
