Bangladesh’s selectors have confirmed that Litton Das will lead the side in the first two T20Is against West Indies in Chattogram next week, ending the keeper-batter’s short spell on the sidelines with a side strain. The injury kept him out of the last five T20Is, including the 3-0 sweep of Afghanistan in Sharjah.
“All the fitness markers were met, so there’s no reason to hold him back,” chief selector Minhajul Abedin said in a brief media release. Litton himself sounded relieved: “The strain was a nuisance, but the medical team have done their bit and I’m ready.”
Mohammad Saifuddin, who impressed with 3 for 15 in the final game against Afghanistan, is the unlucky one to make way. Soumya Sarkar also drops out. He was technically part of the UAE trip but visa delays meant he never got on the park; Parvez Hossain Emon takes his batting spot this time. Soumya did score a neat 91 in the Dhaka ODI earlier on Thursday, yet the selectors have resisted the urge to recall him immediately.
Otherwise the group looks familiar. Tanzid Hasan, Parvez, Saif Hassan and Litton are the top-order options; Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain and Nurul Hasan cover the middle. The spin trio of Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed and Mahedi Hasan stays intact, while Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Tanzim Hasan Sakib continue as the main pace unit.
Bangladesh have quietly stitched together series wins over Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the Netherlands and Afghanistan. Beating West Indies – even a touring side that often travels light – would extend that run and, more importantly, settle selection questions ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
Coach Chandika Hathurusingha, speaking earlier in the week, noted the importance of continuity. “We’re trying not to chop and change unless form or fitness forces us,” he said. Litton’s return, he added, “gives the batting order a natural leader at the top.”
The three matches are scheduled for 27, 29 and 31 October, all at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
Bangladesh squad (first two T20Is v West Indies)
Litton Das (capt & wk), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam
