Abdul Gaffar Saqlain has earned his first national call-up as Bangladesh announces a 15-member squad for the initial two T20Is against New Zealand. Saqlain, an uncapped pace-bowling all-rounder, is seen as a valuable addition to bolster Bangladesh’s T20 cricket depth, providing both lower-order hitting prowess and seam bowling skills.
Joining the squad is Ripon Mondal, a right-arm fast bowler known for his consistency, particularly in crucial game moments. Mondal, aged 23, who has previously played three T20 matches during the 2023 Asian Games, now gets the chance to secure a permanent spot in the team.
Chief selector Habibul Bashar elaborated on the selections, highlighting the inclusion of Mondal and Saqlain to enhance the team’s bowling options. The decision to rest senior fast bowlers Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Nahid Rana for the initial matches aims at managing player workloads effectively.
The squad, led by Litton Das, comprises a blend of youth and experience, including players like Tawhid Hridoy, Shoriful Islam, and Rishad Hossain. The series kicks off in Chattogram on April 27, followed by matches on April 29 and May 2 in the same city and Dhaka, respectively.
