Bangladesh opener Saif Hassan rewarded for consistency with ODI call-up

Saif Hasan, the in-form Bangladesh batter, has earned his maiden ODI call-up in the 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan to be held in Abu Dhabi later this month. It is worth noting that the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) have announced that they have inked a five-year destination support agreement with Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub (ADCSH), making Abu Dhabi in the UAE their home venue for the next five years. Due to the political turmoil in Afghanistan, ACB cannot host international games at home.

Nursing a side strain, Litton Das will miss the white-ball series against Afghanistan, and that opens the door for Saif Hassan who was a revelation during the Asia Cup. The 16-member squad remains largely unchanged from the team that featured in the ODI series against Sri Lanka earlier this year, the only exceptions being Das and Parvez Hossain Emon, who has been left out.

“Right-hander Saif Hassan has earned a call-up to the ODI setup for the first time. The 26-year-old has been included following a string of impressive performances in recent T20 internationals and is expected to add depth to the top order,” BCB said.

Five players – Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Hasan Mahmud, Tanvir Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Nahid Rana will travel to the UAE tonight to link up with the rest of the squad.

Left-handed opener Md Naim Sheikh is still awaiting visa clearance. Soumya Sarkar, who is part of the Bangladesh T20I squad currently involved in the series against Afghanistan, is also facing a similar situation with visa approval which has postponed his departure.

The ODIs will take place at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on October 8, 11 and 14.

Squad: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Md Naim Sheikh, Mohammed Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana