Bangladesh unveil new-look pace attack, Saqlain and Ripon included

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the squad for the first two matches of the T20I series against New Zealand. The series will begin on April 27 at the Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram, with the second match scheduled at the same venue on April 29. The third and final match of the series will be held on May 2 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

Experienced pacers Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana have been rested for the first two matches. In a new-look pace attack, pace bowling allrounder Abdul Gaffar Saqlain has earned his maiden call-up to the national team. The 28-year-old has recently impressed with his T20-suited bowling skills and his ability to play big shots down the order.

Right-arm pacer Ripon Mondal has also been included in the squad as a reward for his consistent performances, particularly at the death. The 23-year-old has previously played three T20 matches for Bangladesh during the 2023 Asian Games.

Litton Kumar Das will lead the side, while Saif Hassan has been named vice-captain.

Squad:

Litton Kumar Das (Captain), Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hassan (Vice-captain), Shamim Hossain, Towhid Hridoy, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Ripon Mondal, Saif Uddin, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain.