The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan.
Set to begin on March 11, 2024, in Dhaka, this series marks a crucial juncture for the Tigers as they look to find the right balance in their white-ball setup.
The selection committee, led by Gazi Ashraf Hossain, has opted for a mix of experienced faces and emerging talent.
The most significant talking point is the return of Afif Hossain, while several key players remain sidelined due to fitness concerns.
Key Returns and Notable Retentions
Afif Hossain makes his comeback to the ODI fold after more than a year. His last appearance in this format was in December 2024.
The selection panel highlighted his recent domestic form and experience as the primary reasons for his recall.
Litton Das has also managed to hold onto his spot despite a prolonged slump in ODI cricket.
The selectors have shown faith in the veteran, suggesting that he is working closely with the coaching staff to regain his rhythm.
Interestingly, the management is looking at Litton as a potential option to stabilize the middle order rather than his traditional opening slot.
Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan has also been retained in the squad. He impressed the selectors during the previous series against the West Indies and has been given another opportunity to showcase his potential at the international level.
Injury Concerns for the Tigers
Bangladesh will be without the services of two of their frontline fast bowlers. Hasan Mahmud is currently recovering from a “tennis elbow” injury, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib is out with a back issue.
Both bowlers are expected to regain full fitness by the end of March, but their absence in this series leaves a void in the pace department.
To fill these gaps, the selectors have leaned on the raw pace of Nahid Rana and the experience of Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Shoriful Islam.
Bangladesh ODI Squad for Pakistan Series
- 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
- Nahid Rana
Bangladesh vs Pakistan ODI Series Schedule
All three matches will be played at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
- 1st ODI: March 11
- 2nd ODI: March 13
- 3rd ODI: March 15
Series Prediction: Who Has the Edge?
This series promises to be a tight contest. Pakistan arrives with a formidable bowling attack and a settled batting lineup, while Bangladesh is playing in familiar home conditions where they are notoriously difficult to beat.
Bangladesh Strengths
The Tigers’ strength lies in their spin department. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, leading the side, will be the primary threat alongside Rishad Hossain and Tanvir Islam.
On the slow Dhaka pitches, these spinners can easily dictate the tempo of the game.
Pakistan Strengths
Pakistan’s pace battery remains their biggest asset. If the visitors can find early movement under the lights or during the first hour of play, they could put the Bangladesh top order under immense pressure.
Final Verdict
While Pakistan enters as the favorites on paper due to their overall squad depth, Bangladesh’s home dominance cannot be ignored.
We predict a 2-1 series win for Pakistan, but expect Bangladesh to push them to the limit in every game.
Tactical Analysis: The Litton Das Factor
The decision to keep Litton Das in the squad is a calculated risk. If he finds his form in the middle order, it provides Bangladesh with a versatile player who can accelerate against spin during the middle overs.
However, if his struggle continues, it might put extra pressure on the lower-middle order.
The performance of Afif Hossain will also be critical; his ability to finish games has been missed, and his return adds much-needed depth to the batting card.