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In a significant reshuffle ahead of a busy cricketing calendar, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has unveiled a strengthened ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The ODI squad sees the return of a star senior batter among five changes, marking a strategic move to balance experience with emerging talent.
Litton Das returns to ODI setup
Bangladesh veteran Litton Das, who had recently endured a lean patch with the bat, has been recalled to the ODI team. Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain emphasized that Litton’s comeback stems not only from his past contributions but also his new leadership responsibilities as the T20I captain.
“Litton Das was in a bad patch but time is the best healer. He is the T20 captain, so we can consider him till the next T20 World Cup. If someone has to return to form, it is best to spend a long time in the middle. We feel that Litton can take his form from ODIs to T20Is,” said Ashraf in a statement
Fresh faces in ODI squad for Sri Lanka series
In addition to Litton, the selectors have brought back Mohammad Naim and Shamim Hossain, while left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam and pacer Hasan Mahmud have also earned their spots. Naim returns to the ODI fold for the first time since September 2023. For Tanvir, this marks his debut ODI call-up, having previously featured in six T20Is. The additions reflect Bangladesh’s efforts to widen their pool ahead of upcoming global events, and to reward domestic consistency.
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Five-pace strategy to manage workloads of star pacers
Acknowledging the recent injury setbacks, particularly to Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, the selectors have included five pacers in the ODI squad to ensure a buffer for workload management. Nahid Rana, another exciting young quick, also remains in the setup but will be closely monitored.
“We have included five fast bowlers in the ODI side as Mustafizur and Taskin are returning from injuries. We are also mindful of Nahid Rana’s workload management, so we have kept enough options to choose from,” added Ashraf.
Notably, the three-match ODI series between the two teams is scheduled for July 2, 5, and 8. The first two matches will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, while the final ODI will take place in Pallekele. With World Cup preparations intensifying, this series serves as a vital platform for players to stake their claim.
Bangladesh squad for Sri Lanka ODIs
- Captain: Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Batters: Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy
- Wicketkeepers: Litton Das, Jaker Ali
- All-rounders: Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam
- Pacers: Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud
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