Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe : Shakib Al Hasan, Mustafizur Rahaman added to squad for 4th and 5th T20Is

New Delhi,UPDATED: May 8, 2024 17:16 IST

Bangladesh have brought back Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman into the squad for the last two T20Is against Zimbabwe. Soumya Sarkar has also made a return to the side along with Shakib and Mustafizur as the hosts aim to complete a clean sweep over the visitors. Parvez Hossain Emon and Afif Hossain are making way for the two experienced players while pacer Shoriful Islam has been rested.

Shakib last played in T20Is in 2023, when he was leading the side as captain. This will be the first time the star all-rounder would be playing white-ball cricket following the ODI World Cup 2023, where Bangladesh had an underwhelming campaign and finished in 8th place with just two wins. Shakib was building towards the T20 World Cup but a finger injury after the T20 World Cup and an eye condition would restrict him from the field.

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Najimul Shanto has now replaced Shakib as the captain in all formats of the game this year.

Mustafizur returns after IPL 2024 success

Mustafizur is coming back into the squad on the back of a successful stint in the IPL 2024 with CSK. The Bangladesh pacer was one of the sides star players and formed a formidable attack with the likes of Matheesha Pathirana and Tushar Deshpande as the 5-time champions remain in the hunt to claim a spot in the playoffs.

Mustafizur picked up 14 wickets in 9 matches at an average of 22.71 and an economy rate of 9.26.

Soumya Sarkar is coming back into the team after a short spell in the sidelines after he sustained a knee injury during the ODI series against Sri Lanka in March this year. Bangladesh would clinch the series in a thrilling 3rd T20I where they edged past Zimbabwe by 9 runs.

Bangladesh are yet to announce their squad for the T20 World Cup and the last two matches would give the board a chance to assess their options.

Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Soumya Sarkar, Tanvir Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin .