“Star All-Rounder’s T20I Comeback Sparks Excitement Ahead of T20 World Cup!”
Bangladesh receives a significant boost as their top spin-bowling all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, prepares to make his T20I comeback after a 10-month absence, just weeks before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 kicks off.
Shakib’s last T20I appearance dates back to July 2023, during a series against Afghanistan. His inclusion in Bangladesh’s squad for the last two T20Is against Zimbabwe comes at a crucial juncture, with the team already holding an unassailable 3-0 lead in the ongoing five-match series.
The return of Shakib, Bangladesh’s most experienced player in T20 World Cup history, adds depth and expertise to the squad. Having featured in every edition of the tournament since its inception in 2007, Shakib brings with him a wealth of experience, having played 117 T20Is and amassed 2382 runs while also claiming 140 wickets.
His comeback ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup is a positive sign for Bangladesh, hinting at his potential inclusion in the final squad for the tournament in the West Indies and the USA.
The squad for the remaining matches against Zimbabwe also sees the return of experienced batter Soumya Sarkar and pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who missed the initial games of the ongoing series.
However, players like Parvez Hossain Emon and Afif Hossain are absent from the squad, while fast-bowler Shoriful Islam has been given a rest period.
The final two matches of the series are scheduled to take place in Mirpur on 10th and 12th May, respectively.
Bangladesh squad for 4th and 5th T20I: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Litton Kumer Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shakib Al Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Soumya Sarkar, Tanvir Islam, Shaif Uddin
