Saif Hasan has emerged as a rare positive in Bangladesh’s recent struggles with the bat, and head coach Phil Simmons has made no secret of his admiration for the 25-year-old’s performances in both formats.
Originally travelling as a backup opener for the Asia Cup, Saif was overlooked in the group-stage matches against Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. However, an injury to Parvez Hossain Emon opened the door for him against Afghanistan, where he scored 30 off 28 balls. He followed that with 61 from 45 balls in a key win over Sri Lanka, and 69 off 51 against India in a narrow loss.
Across four Asia Cup games, Saif totalled 178 runs and soon carried that form into the T20I series. Batting at number three in the final match against Afghanistan, he hit an unbeaten 64 from 38 balls, which helped secure his place in the ODI squad.
Despite Bangladesh collapsing for 93 in the final ODI of that series, Saif managed 43 off 54 balls and also impressed with the ball, taking three wickets for just six runs in four overs.
“He is definitely a surprise package with the ball,” Simmons said ahead of the West Indies series. “I did not expect him to be this effective. But I had already seen his batting and now he has shown what he is capable of. He has taken his chances well and is performing consistently. I am now waiting to see his first ODI hundred.”
Simmons also praised Saif’s growing value as a sixth bowler. “I think both Saif and Shamim can support the main bowlers. Saif has improved so much that often we have not needed a sixth option. That says a lot about the balance he brings.”
As the team looks ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup, Simmons hinted at more experimentation, particularly with Bangladesh’s opening pair. He mentioned Saif, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Naim Sheikh and Parvez Hossain Emon as part of a group under consideration.
“Emon has a slight injury and we are trying to get him back to full fitness,” said Simmons. “We are still looking for that ideal partnership. Saif has done well but he is also a utility player who can bat anywhere. That is useful, but we want to settle on the right pair.”
The West Indian coach also reiterated the long-term approach being taken. “This is a building process. We are starting to put together a squad with 2027 in mind. There will be changes along the way, due to form or competition, but that is part of what we are working towards.”
