Bangladesh go with three pacers for India clash, Mahmudullah and Nahid left out
In a surprising turn of events, Mahmudullah was left out in favour of Jaker Ali. Despite much speculation surrounding express pacer Nahid Rana, he too missed out on the final squad.
Bangladesh have opted for a three-pacer attack, considering the conditions of the Dubai pitch, as they take on India in their opening match of the champions trophy. Najmul Hossain Shanto, leading the side, won the toss and chose to bat first.
Bangladesh will take the field in a One-Day International without the experienced Mahmudullah for the first time in nearly 14 months. He was absent during the 2023 New Zealand tour but has since played in every ODI for Bangladesh.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto did not offer any explanation about Mahmudullah's absence during the toss, but it was later revealed that the middle-order batsman is dealing with a minor injury.
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A further surprise for Bangladesh fans is the exclusion of young pacer Nahid Rana. Despite much speculation surrounding the inclusion of the express bowler, Bangladesh will proceed without him in the line-up.
In the bowling department, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman are joined by Tanzim Hasan in the pace attack. The spin options feature Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain, with Soumya Sarkar potentially called upon to bowl if needed
Bangladesh XI:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman.
