Litton Das is back in Bangladesh’s one-day set-up, part of a handful of changes for the three-match series against Pakistan that starts in Mirpur on 11 March. Fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam are also recalled, while all-rounder Afif Hossain gets another chance after a productive domestic season.
Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain explained the shifts up front. “We have provided opportunities to several players in the middle order, but unfortunately some have not done enough to secure their places,” he said. “With that in mind, Afif Hossain has been recalled. He has never been away from our plans. Afif brings valuable experience and is currently in good touch. Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan has been retained and this is another opportunity for him to fulfil the potential he has shown.”
Litton’s recent numbers are stark: eight successive ODI innings without reaching double figures since December 2023. Even so, the selectors want his experience – 99 caps and counting – in a batting group that has relied heavily on Soumya Sarkar’s current good form. “Litton Das may not have produced his best in recent ODIs but you can’t overlook the experience of nearly a hundred international matches in this format,” Ashraf noted. “He has been working closely with the coaches on his game. We believe he will soon perform in the manner he is capable of. We are considering him as an option to strengthen the middle order. Soumya Sarkar, meanwhile, has been in excellent form at the international level.”
The squad is without two frontline quicks. Hasan Mahmud is sidelined by a tennis-elbow problem in his right arm, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib is easing back from a bout of back pain. Medical staff expect both to be available later in the month, but neither was risked for this series.
Pakistan arrive in Dhaka on 8 March, with all three fixtures scheduled for the Shere Bangla National Stadium between 11 and 15 March.
Bangladesh ODI squad
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), 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
Ins: Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam
Outs: Nurul Hasan, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nasum Ahmed
