Bangladesh have named Abdul Gaffar Saqlain in a 15-man squad for the opening two T20Is against New Zealand, giving the uncapped pace-bowling all-rounder his first taste of senior international cricket. The selection panel believes Saqlain’s bowling style matches the demands of the shortest format, while also valuing his ability to bat lower down the order with big-hitting potential. Alongside Saqlain, right-arm quick Ripon Mondal earns a recall after impressive displays at the death, with both players brought into the group for the three-match series.
Bangladesh squad for the first two T20Is
- Litton Kumer Das (Captain)
- Mohammed Parvez Hossain Emon
- Tanzid Hasan
- Mohammed Saif Hassan (Vice Captain)
- Shamim Hossain
- Tawhid Hridoy
- Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan
- Shak Mahedi Hasan
- Nasum Ahmed
- Rishad Hossain
- Shoriful Islam
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib
- Ripon Mondol
- Shaif Uddin
- Abdul Gaffar Saqlain
Why Saqlain and Mondal were picked
Habibul Bashar, the chairman of the selection panel, said the squad includes two fresh faces, with Ripon Mondal and Abdul Gaffar Saqlain both selected for their immediate impact in T20 cricket. He highlighted that Mondal has been taking wickets and believes his wicket-taking skills can be utilised effectively in matches.
On Saqlain, Bashar explained that the team were specifically looking for a bowling all-rounder, which is why he was brought into the squad. The selectors also see Saqlain as a useful batting option down the order, capable of adding momentum with power-hitting when needed.
- Abdul Gaffar Saqlain is an uncapped pace-bowling all-rounder, included for his suitability to T20 bowling demands.
- Saqlain is also viewed as a lower-order hitter with big-hitting ability.
- Ripon Mondal, a right-arm quick, impressed with his bowling at the death and has been rewarded for consistency.
- Saqlain has played three T20 matches for Bangladesh, all during the 2023 Asian Games cricket competition.
Rested pacers and the series plan
Bangladesh have also opted to give established fast-bowling options a break for the first two games. Experienced pacers Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed have been rested, along with tearaway quick Nahid Rana. Habibul Bashar said the team wanted to test newer faces in the T20 setup, which is why Nahid and Taskin were not included in the opening fixtures.
He added that Nahid Rana requires rest after featuring in One Day Internationals against New Zealand, and ahead of the upcoming Test matches. The selector also noted that Mustafizur Rahman is expected to head to the Pakistan Super League to join Lahore Qalandars.
- Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed have been rested for the first two T20Is.
- Nahid Rana has also been rested to allow the team to try new faces.
- Nahid Rana needs a break after playing ODIs against New Zealand and before the Tests.
- Mustafizur Rahman is expected to depart for the Pakistan Super League to join Lahore Qalandars.
All-round balance and schedule
While confirming that the batting group has not been altered, Bashar said Bangladesh are backing the squad’s all-round resources—particularly Mohammad Saifuddin, who provides additional balance as a pace-bowling all-rounder. The chief selector stated they have retained the batsmen who were already in the setup and expressed hope that the T20 unit will perform well.
The series begins in Chattogram on April 27, with the second match also scheduled at the same venue on April 29. The third and final encounter will take place at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on May 2.
- Bangladesh retained the batsmen from the previous group; there was no change to that part of the squad.
- Mohammad Saifuddin is expected to provide the bowling-all-round role alongside Saqlain.
- First T20I: Chattogram, April 27.
- Second T20I: Chattogram, April 29.
- Third T20I: Dhaka (Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium), May 2.
