During the fourth T20I match against Zimbabwe, Taskin Ahmed suffered a side strain injury, putting his participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup in doubt. Despite concerns over his fitness, Taskin has been included in Bangladesh’s World Cup squad and appointed as the vice-captain. The team, currently awaiting departure to the USA, will proceed without pace all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin.
The T20 World Cup will commence on June 1st, spanning across the Caribbean and the United States. On Tuesday, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a 15-member squad for the series and the World Cup during a press conference. The team will be led by Nazmul Hossain Shanto.
Before the World Cup, Bangladesh will face the USA in a three-match T20 series starting on May 21st, with the following games on May 23rd and 25th. All matches will start at 9 PM Bangladesh time at Prairie View.
In the home series against Zimbabwe, alongside Taskin, Saifuddin was the top wicket-taker with eight dismissals but was also the most expensive, conceding 149 runs at an economy of 9.31. After recovering from a long-term injury, Saifuddin will not travel to the USA.
Newcomer Tanvir Islam, who has played four international T20s and taken two wickets, has also made the squad. Tanvir joins debutant Tanzid Tamim, the top scorer of the series, in the squad. Despite his recent form slump, Liton Das has retained his place, with Soumya Sarkar also trusted to open. Alongside young gun Towhid Hridoy, the experienced Mahmudullah Riyad and Zakir Ali Anik will also feature prominently in the lineup.
The pace attack includes Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shariful Islam, and Tanjim Hasan Sakib, while the spin department will see all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan team up with off-spinner Sheikh Mehidy Hasan, Tanvir, and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain.
Bangladesh’s World Cup squad: Nazmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Taskin Ahmed (vice-captain), Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah Riyad, Zakir Ali Anik, Tanvir Islam, Sheikh Mehidy Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Shariful Islam, Tanjim Hasan Sakib.
Traveling reserves: Afif Hossain Dhruv, Hasan Mahmud.
Head Coach: Chandika Hathurusingha.
