Bangladesh include Tanzim Hasan Sakib for series decider

Bangladesh have opted against making major changes ahead of the series-deciding clash in Chattogram. The only addition to the squad for the final ODI is the return of Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the squad for the third and final ODI against New Zealand, keeping the lineup from the first two matches unchanged while adding Sakib. No players have been dropped, and no other new inclusions have been made.

Tanzim had been out of rhythm in recent times due to injury. This series presents an opportunity for him to make his return to international cricket. However, his place in the playing XI remains uncertain, given the intense competition in the pace attack. Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana have delivered impressive performances in both matches, while Taskin Ahmed continues to be a key figure in the bowling unit. Mustafizur Rahman is also waiting to return to action after recovering from injury.

Meanwhile, despite speculation about Mosaddek Hossain Saikat making a comeback to the ODI side after a long absence, he has once again been overlooked by the selectors.

The third and final ODI between Bangladesh and New Zealand is scheduled to take place in Chattogram on April 23. New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the series with a 26-run victory in the first match. However, Bangladesh bounced back strongly in the second ODI, securing a convincing six-wicket win to level the series. As a result, the final match has turned into a decider.

Bangladesh squad:

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Litton Das, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Najmul Hossain Shanto (vice-captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Rishad Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Tanvir Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Taskin Ahmed.