Bangladesh have received a significant boost ahead of their upcoming ODI series against Zimbabwe with the return of experienced wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das. After missing the recent Test and T20I assignments against Australia due to a calf injury, Litton has recovered in time to be included in the 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series. His return strengthens Bangladesh’s batting unit as the visitors prepare for an important white-ball challenge in Harare.
Litton Das returns to Bangladesh ODI unit
Litton’s inclusion ends weeks of uncertainty surrounding his fitness. The stylish opener sustained a calf injury during Bangladesh’s ODI series against Australia in Dhaka, forcing him to sit out the one-off Test against Zimbabwe. His absence also extended to the three-match T20I series against Australia in Chattogram, where Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan was drafted into the Test squad as cover.
There were lingering doubts over whether Litton would recover in time for the ODI leg of the Zimbabwe tour, particularly as both he and pace spearhead Taskin Ahmed are expected to miss the T20I series against Zimbabwe because of their commitments in the Lanka Premier League (LPL).
However, Bangladesh Cricket Board officials have received encouraging news after Litton resumed full training at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. His progress has been closely monitored, and the selectors were satisfied enough to bring him back into the ODI setup.
His return adds much-needed experience to Bangladesh’s batting lineup, with Litton expected to play a key role at the top of the order alongside the team’s young batting talents.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz to lead balanced Bangladesh squad
The ODI squad will once again be led by all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who continues as captain, while Najmul Hossain Shanto has been named vice-captain. The selectors have opted for a balanced combination of experienced campaigners and emerging players as Bangladesh look to build momentum in the 50-over format.
The batting department features Soumya Sarkar, Mohammed Saif Hasan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Towhid Hridoy and Litton Das, while wicketkeeping responsibilities will be shared between Litton and Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan.
Bangladesh also possess a versatile bowling attack led by Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and the exciting young fast bowler Nahid Rana. Spin options include captain Mehidy, Rishad Hossain and Tanvir Islam, giving the visitors multiple combinations to suit the conditions in Zimbabwe.
The inclusion of several all-rounders also provides flexibility, allowing the team management to adapt their playing XI depending on match situations.
Tour schedule and ODI squad
Bangladesh’s tour of Zimbabwe begins with a one-off Test in Harare on June 28 before attention shifts to the three-match ODI series. The white-ball contests are expected to provide valuable preparation ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming international assignments.
Following the ODI series, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh will face off in three T20 Internationals, scheduled for July 6, 9 and 11. All three matches will be played at the Harare Sports Club, although Litton and Taskin are likely to be unavailable for that leg due to their participation in the LPL.
Bangladesh ODI squad: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Soumya Sarkar, Mohammed Saif Hasan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (vc), Towhid Hridoy, Litton Kumar Das, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana.
