After a long time, India and Bangladesh are locking horns in a two-match Test series. After facing a massive defeat, Bangladesh aimed to bounce back in the first Test match. But the ongoing second Test match of the series is facing constant rain interruption. But that is not the end of their face-off. After wrapping up the Test series, both sides will face each other in a three-match T20I series. Mehidy Hasan Miraz received a call-up for the upcoming T20I series against India.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz is Back in Bangladesh’s T20I Squad:
The Indian fans are enjoying some intense red ball thrills between India and Bangladesh. But in the next match, they are on their way to seeing a transition as both teams will shift their focus into a three-match T20I series. Bangladesh will play T20I matches against India in three cities. The first match is scheduled for October 6 in Gwalior. The second takes place on October 9 in New Delhi, followed by the third on October 12 in Hyderabad.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been brought back into Bangladesh’s T20I squad after a 14-month hiatus. He last played in July 2023 during the series against Afghanistan and missed the T20 World Cup 2024. With Shakib Al Hasan unavailable, Miraz could be a valuable addition to the team in the upcoming matches against India.
Chief Selector’s Words on Mehidy’s Inclusion:
Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain acknowledged Shakib’s significant impact, stating that replacing him would be challenging for Bangladesh. He added that Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been selected to bat higher in the order, but his specific bowling role remains undetermined.
He said, “The great Shakib Al Hasan has already announced that he has played his last T20I for Bangladesh. We don’t have anyone to replace his experience and performance but we feel that Mehidy Hasan Miraz is a good batter who can handle the middle order. Mehidy can play as a batter. We didn’t pick him in the previous [T20] World Cup as we usually feel that he has a strong role as an allrounder in Tests and ODIs.”
Later he added, “We didn’t feel his bowling was a great option in the powerplay in T20s. We didn’t want to disturb his rhythm in the other formats. This is why he wasn’t in our T20 World Cup plans, which we had clearly communicated to him. We are hopeful of seeing him higher in the order, just above the finisher’s role.”
Some More Call Ups:
Opener Parvez Hossain Emon and left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan have made their return to the squad. Both players were absent during the World Cup and have now been recalled. Their inclusion aims to strengthen the team for the upcoming matches against India.
While talking about this, Ashraf said, “We have made changes in the opening, middle order and spin attack while keeping the pace attack intact. We have brought in Parvez Hossain Emon in Soumya Sarkar’s place.”
Later he added, “We have observed him in the recent camps. He is part of our future plans. Rakibul has taken Tanvir’s place, as the latter is recovering from a broken hand. Rakibul is useful with the new ball.”
Bangladesh’s T20I Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rakibul Hasan.
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