As Bangladesh releases their squad for the first two ODIs against New Zealand, Shakib Al Hasan is rested and Tamim Iqbal is back

In advance of the ODI World Cup 2023 in India, Bangladesh will host New Zealand for a three-match ODI series. Both countries have named their squads for the last competitive matchup.

Both sides made several adjustments, resting a few important players, and adding new players for the series that seemed to be their last preparation.

As Bangladesh revealed their lineup for the ODI series against New Zealand, the seasoned combo of Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah found their way back into the side.

Liton Das will head the side against the Kiwis in the lineup for the first two games since Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elected to rest their usual captain Shakib Al Hasan.

“The decision to rest players was made in light of the upcoming World Cup in India, which will be a lengthy competition where maintaining the cricketers’ mental and physical condition would be crucial. Before this important event, the series against New Zealand gives us a chance to look at a few other players as well, according to chief selector Mihanjul Abedin.

Along with Shakib, other players that were a part of the recent Asia Cup team are Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Shoriful Islam. Najmul Hossain Shanto wasn’t selected because the team management didn’t want to take a chance on him before the World Cup when he is still healing from a hamstring injury.
The Asia Cup team also included Mohammad Naim, Afif Hossain, and Shamim Hossain, however they were not selected for the home series against the Blackcaps.

In addition to Zakir Hasan, Syed Khaled Ahmed, and Rishad Hossain, three players without international experience were also picked to the squad: Soumya Sarkar and Nurul Hasan Sohan.

Only Zakir, Khaled, and Rishad have yet to appear in an ODI. The team includes a mix of youth and experience. Before an unlucky injury prevented him from participating against Ireland in March, Zakir came extremely close to doing so. Khaled performed well on his list. Rishad and a career give our bowling assault a new depth, said Minhajul.

Bangladesh will begin practicing on September 19 in preparation for the three games of the series, which will be played at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on September 21, 23, and 26.

Liton Das (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Zakir Hasan, Rishad Hossain, and Syed Khaled Ahmed make up the Bangladeshi team.