Litton Das has been declared fit and named in Bangladesh’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against Zimbabwe. The wicketkeeper-batter had been sidelined with a calf injury to his left leg, which ruled him out of the three T20Is against Australia last week and the one-off Test against Zimbabwe scheduled later this month. His return strengthens a Bangladesh batting lineup that is heading into the series with considerable momentum.
The ODI series is set for July 6, 9, and 11, all at Harare Sports Club, and will be followed by three T20Is.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz Back to Lead After Concussion Absence
Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz also returns to the ODI squad after missing the third match against Australia due to a concussion. He had been rested from the Test squad heading to Zimbabwe, but resumes leadership duties for the ODI leg of the tour. His return gives Bangladesh a settled look in both the batting and bowling departments.
Barring Mahedi Hasan, who came in as a last-minute replacement for Mehidy in the third ODI against Australia, the squad is largely unchanged from the one that recently beat Australia 2-1. That result has put Bangladesh in confident territory heading into the Zimbabwe assignment.
The pace attack remains intact, with Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed leading the seam department alongside Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana. Notably, Rana and Taskin were rested for the one-off Test in Harare, keeping them fresh for the ODI series.
Mosaddek Hossain’s Return Adds Another Dimension to Bangladesh’s Batting
One of the more notable talking points heading into the Zimbabwe series is the form of Mosaddek Hossain. After a four-year absence from ODI cricket, Mosaddek returned for the Australia series and ended up winning the Player of the Series award — a performance that surprised many. The last bilateral ODI series he had played before that comeback was also in Zimbabwe, back in 2022.
Vice-captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy remain the anchors of the batting order, providing stability in the middle. With Litton back behind the stumps and Mosaddek contributing down the order, Bangladesh’s batting has both depth and flexibility.
Zimbabwe won that 2022 series 2-1, ending a nine-year run of Bangladesh winning every bilateral ODI series between the two sides. Overall, Bangladesh has won three out of nine bilateral ODI series in Zimbabwe over the last 25 years, making this far from a comfortable fixture on paper despite the visitors’ recent form.
Full Bangladesh ODI Squad for Zimbabwe
The squad reflects a near-full-strength Bangladesh side. With Litton available, the team’s wicketkeeping position is settled, and the side carries the confidence of a recent series win against Australia into what has historically been a competitive away assignment against Zimbabwe.
Full Squad
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Mosaddek Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.
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