Bangladesh have finalized a 16-member squad for their forthcoming One-Day International tri-series scheduled in the United Arab Emirates. The standout development in the team sheet is the selection of 29-year-old mystery spinner Aliss Al Islam, whose consistent performances across domestic and secondary circuits have earned him an entry into the 50-over national setup. The tournament, which also features Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, will get underway in Abu Dhabi on October 17. The roster receives notable reinforcements through the return of experienced campaigners, including Litton Das, Mustafizur Rahman, and fast bowler Hasan Mahmud.
Domestic Returns and Aliss Al Islam's Ascent
Aliss Al Islam previously tasted senior international action during the Asia Cup, marking his T20I debut against Sri Lanka. The off-spinner's inclusion in the longer white-ball format comes largely on the back of impressive returns in List-A domestic cricket. Across 19 matches, Aliss has snared 35 wickets while maintaining an exceptional bowling average of 17.05 and conceding runs at a frugal rate of just 4.05 per over, a run that also includes a solitary five-wicket haul. Elsewhere, Bangladesh suffered a setback at the Asian Games, where they dropped the bronze-medal encounter against Sri Lanka. Najmul Hossain Shanto, whose participation in that multi-sport event was cut short due to an injury, has now recovered sufficiently to reclaim his place in this 50-over team.
Key Omissions and Injury Setbacks
The revised selection panel made notable subtractions from the lineup that previously faced Zimbabwe. Both Parvez Hossain and all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin found themselves excluded from the traveling party. In the fast bowling department, young speedster Nahid Rana could not be considered due to lingering fitness issues. Rana's physical setback had already forced him to miss the one-off Test match against Afghanistan, keeping him sidelined from the white-ball competition as well.
Chief Selector Explains Squad Balance
Chief selector Habibul Bashar outlined the tactical rationale guiding the selection choices, explaining why adjustments were necessary in both the seam and spin departments. Addressing Rana's absence, Bashar stated that the pacer remains sidelined while undergoing rehabilitation. Regarding the induction of Aliss Al Islam, the chief selector pointed to the strategic need for wicket-taking variety during the middle overs.
Bashar emphasized that a need for middle-overs breakthroughs and Aliss's successful tour of South Africa with the 'Bangladesh A' contingent justified his inclusion.
The management believes that UAE conditions will reward defensive control combined with mystery variations, making Aliss a tactical weapon on the turning surfaces of Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Complete 16-Player Traveling Squad
Litton Das leads the team as captain, supported by vice-captain Towhid Hridoy. The batting depth includes Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hassan, Soumya Sarkar, and Najmul Hossain Shanto. All-round and middle-order duties will be handled by Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and wicketkeeper-batter Kazi Nurul Hasan Sohan. The specialist spin attack comprises Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, and Aliss Al Islam, while Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, and Shoriful Islam form the fast-bowling unit.
Tri-Series Fixture Schedule
The four-match schedule moves between Abu Dhabi and Sharjah across a week of competitive cricket
- October 17: Bangladesh take on Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi
- October 19: Afghanistan face Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi
- October 21: Afghanistan play Bangladesh in Sharjah
- October 23: Tournament final in Sharjah
