Bangladesh has made significant changes to its One Day International (ODI) squad ahead of the three-match series against West Indies, beginning this Saturday. Top-order batter Soumya Sarkar and wicketkeeper-batter Mahidul Islam Ankon have been added, replacing Mohammad Naim and fast bowler Nahid Rana, both of whom featured in the recent 3-0 whitewash by Afghanistan.
Naim and Rana`s exclusion follows their poor showing in the third ODI against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, where Bangladesh suffered a substantial 200-run defeat, leading to a comprehensive series loss. Naim struggled at the crease, managing only 23 balls before being caught at slip, while Rana failed to secure a wicket and left his final over incomplete, raising concerns about a potential injury.
Soumya Sarkar`s return to the ODI side is a notable development, marking his first appearance in the format since February of this year. His previous absence from the T20I series against Afghanistan was attributed to a frustrating delay in processing his UAE visa, which prevented him from joining the squad in time.
Mahidul Islam, who is uncapped in ODIs, is set to make his debut in the format. His sole international appearance to date was in a Test match against South Africa in Chattogram last year. Mahidul`s inclusion is a well-deserved reward for his consistent performance in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, Bangladesh`s premier List A competition, where he has maintained an impressive batting average of 46.86, including one century and ten half-centuries over the past two years.
Despite some players experiencing a lean patch recently, the national selectors have chosen to maintain faith in Najmul Hossain Shanto, Jaker Ali, and Shamim Hossain. The spin attack, spearheaded by captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain, remains unchanged. Similarly, the core fast-bowling unit from the Afghanistan series, featuring key pacers Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed, has been retained.
Following the opening ODI match on Saturday, the remaining two fixtures of the series are scheduled for October 21 and 23.
Bangladesh ODI Squad for Series Against West Indies
- Mehidy Hassan Miraz (capt)
- Tanzid Hasan
- Soumya Sarkar
- Saif Hassan
- Najmul Hossain Shanto
- Towhid Hridoy
- Mahidul Islam (wk)
- Jaker Ali (wk)
- Shamim Hossain
- Nurul Hasan (wk)
- Rishad Hossain
- Tanvir Islam
- Taskin Ahmed
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Tanzim Hasan
- Hasan Mahmud
