Nidahas Trophy: Bangladesh announce 16-man squad

Bangladesh has announced their T20 squad for the upcoming Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka commencing on March 6. Their gun all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is back for the tri-series and will also be leading the team. He missed the Test and T20I series against Sri Lanka after sustaining a finger injury during the ODI tri-series. Bangladesh will play their first match of the series against India on March 8 and are most likely to leave for Sri Lanka on 4th of the same month.

The Tigers recently lost the two-match T20I series against Sri Lanka at home and were found wanting in the demanding circumstances. The legendary West Indian cricketer and the bowling coach of the side, Courtney Walsh, will act as the head caoch of the side for the tournament. Bangladesh is yet to announce the replacement of Chandika Hathurusingha who is now at the helm for Sri Lanka.

What are the changes?

The selectors have made three changes to the Bangladesh squad that played against Sri Lanka earlier this month. The skipper Shakib Al Hasan, Imrul Kayes and Nurul Hasan have been included in the side. Mohammad Saifuddin, Zakir Hasan, Atif Hossain and Mohammad Mithun have been axed following the series loss at home. It was surprising that the youngsters Zakir and Afif were sidelined as they fared decently in the only opportunity they recive during the series.

Shakib’s inclusion should bolster the team in both batting and bowling department which struggled in his absence. Even the seniors like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah will be under less pressure now. Interestingly, the youngster Nazmul Islam has retained his place following his impressive outings against Sri Lanka. It would be interesting to see if he continues in the same vein in the upcoming tri-series as well.

Bangladesh squad: Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mahmudullah, Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim, Sabbir Rahman, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Abu Jayed, Taskin Ahmed, Imrul Kayes, Nurul Hasan, Mehidy Hasan, Ariful Haque, Nazmul Islam, Abu Haider

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