Soumya Returns, Ankon Gets Maiden Call-Up for West Indies Series

Leaving behind the disappointment of the Afghanistan series, Bangladesh are gearing up for a fresh challenge against the West Indies. The three-match ODI series is set to begin on Saturday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The remaining two matches will be played at the same venue on October 21 and 23.

Ahead of the series, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) selectors announced a 16-member squad on Thursday. Top-order batter Soumya Sarkar makes his return to the ODI side. Although he was named in the T20 squad against Afghanistan, visa complications prevented him from taking the field. Naim Sheikh, who featured in one ODI against Afghanistan, has been dropped.

Meanwhile, Mahidul Islam Ankon has earned his maiden ODI call-up. The young wicketkeeper-batter has been in fine form in domestic cricket and previously made his Test debut for Bangladesh. Yasir Rabbi misses out despite expectations, while Zakir Ali Anik has retained his place.

Regular openers Liton Das and Parvez Hossain Emon are unavailable due to injuries. The bowling unit, however, remains largely unchanged. Tanvir Islam and Rishad Hossain continue in the spin department, while the pace attack will feature Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Nahid Rana has not been included in the squad.

Bangladesh ODI Squad:

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Zakir Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain Patwary, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud.