Bangladesh name 16-member squad for Ireland ODIs, Mahmudullah rested for first two games

Mahmudullah . (Photo Source: MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Star Bangladesh batter Mahmudullah has been rested for the first two ODIs of the upcoming series against Ireland. The decision has been taken by the Bangladesh selectors to give a chance to other players at the highest level. Having made his debut in 2007, Mahmadullah has represented Bangladesh in 218 ODIs. The right-handed batter failed to fire in the recent series against England as he scored just 71 runs across three matches.

Explaining the reason behind resting the veteran batter, Bangladesh Cricket Board chief selector Minhajul Abedin said that the board wants to give chances to other players and see everyone’s form leading up to the ODI World Cup later this year.

“Mahmudullah is rested. We have given the others a platform to do well at the highest level. Zakir has been doing well. Shoriful is returning due to his full fitness. This is actually the easiest time to see everyone’s form in a World Cup year,” BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) chief selector Minhajul Abedin said.

Mahmudullah has been in sublime form over the past two years having an average of almost 50 in both 2021 and 2022. In 2023, he has played only three ODIs so far which were in the series against England where he scored 71 runs in three matches. The 37-year-old was the first Bangladesh batter to score a hundred in Cricket World Cup as he achieved the landmark against England in the 2015 ODI World Cup.

Meanwhile, Shamim Hossain and Taijul Islam have also been dropped from the squad while batter Zakir Hasan has received a maiden ODI call up. Yasir Ali, the left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed and left-arm quick Shoriful Islam have also been included in the team which will be led by Tamim Iqbal.

Bangladesh and Ireland to play three T20Is and a Test as well

Zakir impressed everyone with a hundred on his Test debut against India in Chattogram while Yasir has been featured seven times in Bangladesh ODI XI since making his debut in 2022. Left-arm orthodox bowler Nasum is the perfect replacement for Taijul, while Shoriful Islam could come in for Mustafizur Rahman, who’s been a bit off-form.

Bangladesh and Ireland will lock horns in a three-match ODI series starting on March 18 with all three matches to be played at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet. After the ODI series, the two sides will lock horns in a three-match T20I series and a single Test match.

Bangladesh squad: Tamim Iqbal (c), Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Yasir Ali, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Zakir Hasan

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