Nasum Ahmed added to Bangladesh squad to strengthen spin attack

Bangladesh dominated with spin in the opening ODI against West Indies, cruising to a comfortable 74-run win in Mirpur. Building on that success, the selectors have decided to bolster the spin department further by including left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed for the remaining two matches of the series.

On the slow Mirpur surface, spin played a decisive role in Bangladesh’s victory. The trio of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Tanvir Islam, and Rishad Hossain all featured in the playing XI and bowled with great control. Rishad was the standout performer, claiming six wickets to earn the Player of the Match award. Miraz was highly economical, conceding just 16 runs in 10 overs while picking up a wicket. Tanvir, however, struggled slightly with consistency despite taking one wicket.

To strengthen the left-arm spin option, 30-year-old Nasum Ahmed has been drafted into the squad. Interestingly, his last ODI appearance also came against the West Indies back in December 2024.

Nasum’s inclusion adds tactical flexibility to Bangladesh’s lineup. The first ODI also indicated the team’s growing reliance on spin, as pacer Taskin Ahmed bowled only two overs. Depending on conditions, the management may opt to play an additional spinner, with Nasum potentially replacing Tanvir or even joining him in the XI if the pitch favors spin.

Bangladesh currently lead the three-match series 1–0, with the remaining games scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday.

If the spinners continue their impressive form, Bangladesh will have a strong chance to seal the series—and all eyes will be on the newly added Nasum Ahmed to see how he contributes to the team’s spin arsenal.