Bangladesh to Face Afghanistan in ODI Series Without Key Players Shakib and Litton

Bangladesh will be heading into their three-match ODI series against Afghanistan without two of their star players, Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das. The 15-member squad, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, will face Afghanistan in Sharjah from November 6 to 11.

The absence of veteran all-rounder Shakib is notable, as he opted to sit out this series. Additionally, top-order batsman Litton Das will miss out as he recovers from a fever, leaving Bangladesh without two seasoned performers.

Right-arm fast bowler Hasan Mahmud is also unavailable due to a shoulder injury, further limiting Bangladesh’s options.

In a bid to balance these gaps, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has called up 22-year-old pacer Nahid Rana, an uncapped player in ODIs with five Test appearances. Joining him are recalled opener Zakir Hasan, who last played his sole ODI in September 2023, and left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed, whose last ODI appearance was in November 2023.

The team, under Shanto’s leadership and with Mehidy Hasan Miraz as vice-captain, will be seeking to break a recent streak of seven consecutive losses.

Bangladesh has struggled in recent series, having suffered heavy defeats against South Africa and India in both Test and T20 formats. The Afghanistan series offers a much-needed opportunity for Bangladesh to regroup and build confidence.

The three ODIs will be held at the Sharjah Stadium, marking a crucial test for this revamped Bangladesh squad against an experienced Afghan side.

Bangladesh’s ODI Squad Against Afghanistan

Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Zakir Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.