Afif Hossain, Litton Das back in Bangladesh Squad for Pakistan ODIs

DHAKA – Bangladesh have recalled Litton Das into their ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against Pakistan. The series will take place in Mirpur from March 11 to March 15. Several changes were made to the squad ahead of the series. The team aims to strengthen its middle order and bowling attack.

Fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam also returned to the ODI side. Allrounder Afif Hossain has been recalled as well. These changes aim to provide experience and stability to the team. Meanwhile, some players missed out due to performance or injury.

Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain explained the rationale behind the recalls. He said Afif Hossain had always been in team plans. He added that Afif brings valuable experience and is in good form. Meanwhile, Nurul Hasan, Jaker Ali, and Shamim Hossain did not make the squad this time.

Litton Das has struggled recently, failing to reach double-digit scores in eight consecutive ODIs since December 2023. However, the selectors believe his experience of nearly 100 international matches remains valuable. Ashraf stated that Litton has been working closely with coaches to improve his game. The team hopes he strengthens the middle order during the series.

Read more : Fakhar Zaman Withdraws from Pakistan ODI Series Against Bangladesh

Soumya Sarkar has been in excellent form and will provide consistency in the batting lineup. The squad also includes promising young players such as Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, who will have another opportunity to prove his potential. Bangladesh hopes these selections will improve balance and performance across batting and bowling departments.

Pacer Hasan Mahmud is unavailable due to a right tennis elbow. Fellow quick Tanzim Hasan Sakib is recovering from back pain. Both bowlers are expected to regain full fitness by the end of March. Bangladesh will rely on the returning fast bowlers, Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam, in their absence.

The final Bangladesh ODI squad includes Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Nahid Rana. The team looks prepared for the March 11 series opener against Pakistan.