Top-order left-hander Tanzid Hasan and wicketkeeper-batter Amite Hasan will make their first appearance in a Bangladesh Test squad when Pakistan arrive next month. The selection panel named the pair in a 15-strong group for the opening Test in Dhaka on 8 May, with the second match following in Sylhet from 16 May.
Taskin Ahmed, absent from red-ball cricket since December 2024, is back too, while fellow seamer Shoriful Islam and off-spinner Nayeem Hasan also return. Fast bowler Khaled Ahmed, Jaker Ali, Hasan Mahmud and left-arm spinner Hasan Murad drop out.
Chief selector Habibul Bashar said the two newcomers had been tracked for some time. “Tanzid has been in our thoughts for Test cricket,” Bashar explained. “He has a very good first-class record and we felt he deserved the opportunity to showcase his ability in Tests. He has a sound technique and plenty of natural ability. We are confident that if he gets the chance, he can perform well in the longer format.”
Turning to the wicketkeeper, Bashar added: “Amite has earned his call-up as he has been one of the most consistent batters in our first-class cricket. His temperament stands out and we believe it is well suited for Test cricket. This format demands patience and discipline, and he has shown those qualities over a sustained period. Both these players have time on their side and can serve Bangladesh for a very long period.”
A quick look at the numbers explains the nod. Tanzid, already settled in the limited-overs sides, averages just over 40 in first-class cricket, with five centuries from 25 matches – plenty for a 23-year-old still learning the craft. Amite’s returns are even stronger: 11 centuries, a first-class average nudging 50, and a recent 162 in the Bangladesh Cricket League.
Taskin’s comeback is timely. Bangladesh leaned heavily on spin against Sri Lanka in March but home surfaces in early May often ask for a bit more pace. If fit, the 31-year-old offers an experienced option alongside left-armer Shoriful and the lively but raw Nahid Rana.
Final squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan, Amite Hasan.
Ins: Nayeem, Shoriful, Taskin, Tanzid, Amite.
Outs: Khaled, Jaker, Hasan Mahmud, Hasan Murad.
Plenty for the coaching staff to weigh up in the next fortnight, but the headline is simple enough: two fresh faces, one familiar fast bowler back on the park, and a squad that, on paper at least, looks balanced enough to give Pakistan a proper contest.
