Dhaka, 11 April (H.S.):
Bangladesh’s new selection committee, led by Habibul Bashar, has retained the same 15‑member squad for the first two One Day Internationals against New Zealand that was used to defeat Pakistan 2–1 at home last month. The opening two matches of the series will be played in Dhaka on 17 and 20 April, while the third game will be held in Chittagong on 23 April.
The team will be led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Despite recent success, however, the performances of certain batters have drawn question marks. Saif Hassan and Afif Hossain scored at averages of 17.33 and 19 respectively in three innings against Pakistan, which fell short of expectations.
No changes have been made in the pace‑bowling unit, as the selectors have retained Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam. This decision is being viewed as a move towards greater stability in the attack, in contrast to the recent practice of frequently rotating bowlers.
Five players from the Bangladesh squad are currently participating in a league currently underway in Pakistan. All of them are scheduled to join the national team on 12 April. According to reports, after the ODI series ends, only Mustafizur Rahman will return to the league, while the rest will stay with the national side. Following the three ODIs, both countries will also play a three‑match Twenty20 series.
Bangladesh’s 15‑member squad is as follows:
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das (wicketkeeper), Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanzid Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Nahid Rana.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
