Bangladesh Name Aliss Al Islam in ODI Squad for Abu Dhabi Tri-Series
Bangladesh have added uncapped offspinner Aliss Al Islam to their 16-member squad for the upcoming one-day international tri-series against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. The tournament begins in Abu Dhabi on October 17, with the final scheduled for October 23 in Sharjah.
Aliss is the most notable inclusion in a squad that also welcomes back Litton Das, Mustafizur Rahman and Hasan Mahmud to Bangladesh’s ODI setup. The selection signals the team’s interest in strengthening its middle-overs bowling, where taking wickets can be just as important as controlling the scoring rate. For supporters following the series, Aliss’s performances will be one of the key storylines—and a talking point in any cricket prediction ahead of the matches.
A promising List A record earns Aliss his opportunity
Although Aliss has yet to make his ODI debut, he has already gained experience in international cricket. He made his T20I debut against Sri Lanka at the Asian Games, and his domestic record offers a strong case for a longer-format opportunity. In 19 List A matches, the offspinner has claimed 35 wickets at an average of 17.05 and an economy rate of 4.05. His record also includes a five-wicket haul.
Those figures suggest a bowler capable of contributing both control and regular breakthroughs. In one-day cricket, spinners often take on a pivotal role after the fielding restrictions end, when batters look to build an innings without losing momentum. A bowler who can vary pace, flight and angle may disrupt that plan, particularly on surfaces that reward accuracy.
Chief selector Habibul Bashar said Bangladesh wanted a bowler who could take wickets in the middle overs. He also pointed to Aliss’s strong showing during his tour of South Africa with Bangladesh A. The selection therefore reflects more than promising domestic statistics: the team management has also had the chance to assess his performances in a demanding overseas environment.
Experienced players return to the 50-over group
Litton Das is included as captain, with Towhid Hridoy named vice-captain. The return of Litton adds an experienced option at the top of the order, while Mustafizur Rahman and Hasan Mahmud give Bangladesh additional pace-bowling choices. Their presence could be especially valuable in a compact tournament, where teams have little time to recover from a poor performance or adjust their combinations.
The squad also features a mix of established international players and emerging talent. Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hasan, Soumya Sarkar and Najmul Hossain Shanto provide batting options, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam and Aliss offer spin resources. Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur and Hasan Mahmud make up the principal pace group.
Parvez Hossain and Mohammad Saifuddin, who were part of Bangladesh’s ODI squad against Zimbabwe, have not been selected this time. Their omission creates opportunities for other players to make an impression as Bangladesh prepare for a series featuring two contrasting opponents.
Nahid Rana ruled out while recovering from injury
Fast bowler Nahid Rana was not considered for the tri-series because of an injury that has also kept him out of Bangladesh’s ongoing one-match Test series against Afghanistan. Bashar confirmed that Rana is undergoing rehabilitation and is therefore unavailable for selection.
His absence reduces Bangladesh’s pace-bowling options, but the squad still has several experienced fast bowlers. The team will need to manage workloads carefully across the tournament, particularly if matches are close together or conditions in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah place extra demands on the bowlers.
Short tournament leaves little room for error
The schedule features three round-robin matches followed by a final. Bangladesh open against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi on October 17. Afghanistan and Zimbabwe meet two days later, before Afghanistan face Bangladesh in Sharjah on October 21. The top two sides will then compete in the final on October 23.
With only two group matches for each team, every result could have a significant impact on the race for the final. Net run rate may also become important if the standings are tight, making strong finishes and disciplined bowling valuable even when a match appears to be under control.
Afghanistan bring a strong reputation for spin, while Zimbabwe can be dangerous when their batters settle and build partnerships. Bangladesh’s selection of several spin options, including the uncapped Aliss, may help them respond to different match situations. The team’s balance between batting depth, spin variety and pace experience will be closely watched throughout the competition.
Bangladesh ODI squad
Litton Das (captain), Towhid Hridoy (vice-captain), Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Musaddek Hossain Saikat, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam and Aliss Al Islam.
Tri-series schedule
October 17: Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi
October 19: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi
October 21: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh, Sharjah
October 23: Final, Sharjah
Aliss’s ODI debut is not guaranteed, but his selection places him firmly in contention and gives Bangladesh another option for the middle overs. His ability to transfer his List A form to the international stage could influence the team’s balance—and add an intriguing new factor to cricket prediction discussions as the tri-series approaches.
