In a significant move to strengthen their team for the decisive T20I encounters, Bangladesh cricket has heralded the return of two pivotal players to their ranks. Veteran allrounder Shakib Al Hasan and the left-arm pace spearhead Mustafizur Rahman have been named in the 15-player squad for the final two T20Is against Zimbabwe. This announcement brought an end to Shakib’s hiatus from the white-ball games, as the player had been absent from two successive series against New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
The skilled former Bangladesh captain is staging a comeback after a period of recuperation from an eye condition that he suffered during last year’s ODI World Cup in India. The doctors had recommended Shakib take a necessary break to recover fully. Moreover, he consciously skipped the initial three T20Is against Zimbabwe to participate in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL), aiming to fine-tune his form for the international challenges ahead.
Mustafizur Rahman rejoins the team following an impressive display with the Chennai Super Kings, a franchise that has clinched the Indian Premier League title five times. His performance during the prestigious league has assured the selectors of his preparedness for international matches.
Accompanying these two experienced players in the squad is the left-handed batsman Soumya Sarkar, who is returning after recuperating from a knee injury acquired during the ODI series against Sri Lanka on home soil.
As the selectors look towards the future, attention is also drawn to managing player workload, especially in light of the approaching ICC Men’s T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in the Caribbean and the USA in June. In a strategic decision, the team rested Shoriful Islam, a crucial left-arm seam bowler, ensuring that he remains in prime condition for the forthcoming global event. According to selector Abdur Razzak, as reported by Cricbuzz, this rest period aligns with both team management’s perspective and Shoriful’s own needs, as the bowler has had a prolonged and uninterrupted stretch of cricket and could benefit from time spent with family to recharge.
Outlined below is the full list of the Bangladesh squad that will take on Zimbabwe in the last two T20Is of the series:
– Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain)
– Litton Kumar Das (wk)
– Tanzid Hasan Tamim
– Shakib Al Hasan
– Towhid Hridoy
– Mahmudullah
– Jaker Ali Anik
– Shak Mahedi Hasan
– Rishad Hossain
– Taskin Ahmed
– Mustafizur Rahman
– Tanzim Hasan Sakib
– Soumya Sarkar
– Tanvir Islam
– Mohammad Saifuddin
The reintegration of key players like Shakib and Mustafizur will definitely bolster the squad’s confidence and capabilities. As Bangladesh eyes victory in the concluding T20 Internationals against Zimbabwe, fans and critics alike will be keen to see how these changes affect the team dynamics and whether this will herald a new chapter of success for the Bangladeshi side on the international stage.
