Are Saifuddin and Ankon Ready for Bangladesh's T20I Clash with Ireland?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Saifuddin and Ankon return to strengthen the squad.
- Two players excluded due to league commitments.
- Focus on establishing a strong T20I lineup ahead of 2025.
- Matches will be held in Chattogram.
- Bangladesh aims to test new talent in the upcoming series.
Dhaka, Nov 23 (NationPress) Bangladesh has announced the inclusion of Mohammad Saifuddin and Mahidul Islam Ankon in their squad for the initial two Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) against Ireland, marking two significant changes from the lineup that faced the West Indies last month.
Saifuddin makes his return to the T20 format after participating in the T20Is against Afghanistan in Sharjah, where Bangladesh achieved a clean sweep of 3-0. Ankon, who has played only one Test and three ODIs without any T20I experience, now has an opportunity to secure his place in the Bangladesh top order.
Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain stated that Taskin Ahmed and Shamim Hossain have been omitted due to their commitments in the Abu Dhabi T10 league. Hossain explained, “Taskin has an NOC, so he is not available to us currently. We know that he will play for Bangladesh whenever we ask him to, but we are well aware of the plans.”
He further noted that Shamim Hossain was left out to explore new options in the top order, saying, “We haven't considered Shamim Hossain for the first two T20Is. We have picked Mahidul Islam to try someone in the top four.”
The three-match series will take place in Chattogram on November 27, 29, and December 2, as Bangladesh aims to refine their T20I lineup ahead of a packed schedule in 2025.
Bangladesh squad for Ireland T20Is
Litton Das (capt), Saif Hassan (vice-capt), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Nurul Hasan, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin.