Bangladesh’s selectors have named a squad for the three-match T20 series against the Netherlands and the Asia Cup starting on 9 September, with two familiar names returning after lengthy absences. Wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan Sohan and batter Saif Hasan have both been recalled, while opener Mohammad Naim and Nazmul Hossain Shanto have been omitted.
The squad was announced on the evening of 22 August, and chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu addressed the decisions at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium the following day. Both Nurul and Saif are currently with the Bangladesh ‘A’ team in Australia playing the Top End T20 series, which Lipu says has formed part of their preparation.
Nurul last featured for Bangladesh in T20Is almost three years ago despite solid domestic form. In the ongoing Top End T20 he has scored 115 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 113.86. Before that, in the last BPL, he made 182 runs in 13 matches for Rangpur Riders at a strike rate of 138.93, and in July added 65 runs in five matches for the same franchise in the Global Super League.
Lipu explained why Nurul had been chosen despite modest T20 returns: “Unfortunately, in like-for-like replacement positions there is a lot of challenge for us, or no real performer. Our confidence and faith is in his approach and pattern of play especially at five-six we think he is a very good choice. As backup for Zakir Ali at this moment we consider him the best.”
Nurul has also been earmarked specifically as cover for Zakir Ali Anik. Lipu said selectors had deliberately kept him in competitive action rather than rushing him back earlier: “Actually every selection has a process. Sometimes we make deep considerations. Sometimes we don’t take a player into the team for the greater good. We discussed Sohan a lot during the Sri Lanka tour. We thought and felt that with our team formation, if everything was okay, his chances of making the first XI were very slim. At that time we thought for his preparation it’s better if he plays the Global T20 league… because we knew he would also play in Darwin for the ‘A’ team… that would also be preparation.”
“All in all he would get to play around 10 matches. Before coming into a side like the Asia Cup squad some big challenges… that’s why we said he is on our radar. Maybe we could not give him international exposure. But in the step just below international T20s, there he and many others have got opportunities. A sense of competition, challenge, how to perform well, if someone fails what needs to be done to bring the performance to the desired level this was a strategy. It was a strategic decision.”
Saif Hasan, who last played for the senior T20 side at the 2023 Asian Games, has also been rewarded for steady form. In the Top End series he scored 132 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 121.10, including 57 against Pakistan Shaheens and 45 off 35 balls against Melbourne Stars. In the Global Super League for Rangpur Riders he scored 84 runs in three matches, including 41 against Guyana Amazon Warriors. He also bowled in five matches, taking three wickets with his off-spin.
Lipu praised Saif’s versatility: “He can bowl one or two overs. At three-four and if an opener is needed, with that in mind we had our eyes on Saif. This time he has been included. We are looking for players who can contribute in various positions. A capable batter for number four. Also if any situation arises up top he has the ability to open for the team. We are looking for players who can play in different positions, the team needs that a lot.”
With Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Parvez Hossain Emon established as openers, Saif will provide back-up options for several batting positions, including as cover for Towhid Hridoy.
While Nurul and Saif return, there is disappointment for Mohammad Naim. Recalled in July for the Sri Lanka series, he scored 32 off 29 balls in his only match. Against Pakistan he managed 3 off 8 and 10 off 19 balls. His strike rate and form in the Top End T20 scores of 5, 25, 5, 25, 19 and 15 did not convince selectors.
Lipu admitted it was a difficult call: “Before dropping someone we have to think a lot about how much of his ability has he been able to show, or was the opportunity given sufficient? We felt Naim worked hard, showed promise; we were very hopeful he could keep his place. It would have been good for him and for the team if he could have kept his place. Unfortunately that didn’t happen. In a bit less challenging Top End cricket he also could not perform well. I believe Naim Sheikh now knows that to regain his place he has to improve further.”
Shanto, too, misses out again. He has not been in the T20I side since last May’s UAE tour, where he scored 27 off 19 balls in one appearance. Lipu stressed the door remains open: “When Shanto was first dropped, I spoke to him. We were very clear about what we want and what he has to do to return. Our door is closed to no one. Those who play other formats internationally are of course very valuable players for us.”
“In a new format we want performance to meet the challenges present in each spot. First performance needs to be ensured. I think our NCL T20 and then the BPL are where there will be more chances to play in his place and showcase himself.”
Bangladesh are in Group B for the Asia Cup with Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Before that, they face the Netherlands in Sylhet from 30 August.