Sohan to lead Bangladesh A in opening New Zealand one-dayers

Nurul Hasan Sohan has been named captain of the Bangladesh 'A' side for the first two matches of the three-game one-day series against New Zealand 'A', beginning on 5 May at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

The 15-member squad, announced by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on 4 May, features a host of national team regulars. Among them are pacers Shoriful Islam and Khaled Ahmed, while the only uncapped player in the squad is Rejaur Rahman Raja. Sohan, who impressed in the recent Dhaka Premier League (DPL) with 522 runs at an average of 58 and a strike rate of 93.55 for Dhanmondi Club, has been rewarded not only with selection but with the leadership role.

Several top DPL performers have been included, highlighting the board's intent to use the 'A' team matches as a platform to keep fringe players active and test-ready. Anamul Haque Bijoy, who topped the DPL run charts with 874 runs in 14 matches, has earned a spot alongside Mohammad Naim, who amassed 618 runs in 11 innings. Mosaddek Hossain, who captained Abahani Limited to the DPL title, also features in the squad.

Fast bowler Ebadot Hossain, recovering from a long injury layoff, returns to competitive action through this series. Meanwhile, Shoriful, with 21 wickets in 13 matches, and Khaled have been preferred over Mustafizur Rahman, who was initially expected to feature in the series.

Ahead of the series, Nurul reflected on his journey and mindset while speaking to the media. "I believe everyone's path is different. I never dwell on that. Representing Bangladesh is a goal for every player. Whenever I go through a tough phase, I try to inspire myself to take on the challenge and bounce back. I want to achieve something significant for Bangladesh — that's the bigger goal."

New Zealand 'A', led by Nick Kelly, arrived in Bangladesh on 2 May. They will play three 50-over matches on 5, 7 and 10 May, all at the Sylhet venue. The first of two four-day matches is also scheduled in Sylhet from 14 May, while the second will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur from 21 May. All matches will be broadcast live on T Sports.

Bangladesh 'A' squad:

Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naim, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Mahidul Islam, Saif Hasan, Yasir Ali, Nurul Hasan Sohan (captain), Mosaddek Hossain, Shamim Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Rejaur Rahman Raja

New Zealand 'A' squad:

Rhys Mariu, Curtis Heaphy, Matt Boyle, Mohammad Abbas, Nick Kelly (captain), Joe Carter, Mitch Hay, Zak Foulkes, Adi Ashok, Jayden Lennox, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Dale Phillips