Towhid Hridoy to lead Bangladesh against Zimbabwe as Litton Das misses T20I series

Bangladesh have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, with Towhid Hridoy set to lead the side in the absence of regular captain Litton Kumar Das. Litton has been granted leave to participate in the Lanka Premier League, while vice-captain Taskin Ahmed has also been released to fulfil his franchise commitments.

The three-match series will be played in Bulawayo on July 15, 17 and 19. The squad sees the return of all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain, who forced his way back into the T20I setup following an impressive ODI series against Australia. Mosaddek amassed 157 runs in three matches, earning the selectors’ attention with his consistent performances.

Yasir Ali has also earned a recall after nearly three years. The right-handed batter last represented Bangladesh in the shortest format during the Asian Games in October 2023 against Pakistan. Meanwhile, all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin returns after missing the home T20I series against Australia. Shamim Hossain is the notable omission from the squad, having been rested following a prolonged lean patch with the bat.

“We picked Mosaddek as he is carrying a good form with the bat while he can also be handy as an off-spinner. As for Yasir Ali, we feel we need someone down the order who can clear the ropes at will. We want to go with two pacers and one pace-bowling all-rounder. We tried that combination against Australia, and we will try it again. So that’s where Saifuddin comes in,” BCB chief selector Habibul Bashar told Cricbuzz.

Chief selector Bashar explained that Shamim was rested due to his prolonged lean patch with the bat, with the selectors opting to give him time away from international cricket. Bashar also revealed that Najmul Hossain Shanto’s name was discussed during the selection meeting after Litton’s absence created a vacancy at the top of the batting order. However, the selectors eventually decided against recalling Shanto, instead backing the existing group for the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe.

“Shamim hasn’t been scoring runs in his last 9-10 innings. We are giving him a break so that he can rediscover his form. Shanto’s name was discussed but could not make it this time, but I am sure we will play few more series before the next World Cup and will have the chance to see him as well,” said Bashar.

Bangladesh T20I squad:

Towhid Hridoy (captain), Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Mohammed Saif Hassan, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Md Shaif Uddin and Abdul Gaffar Saqlain

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