Litton Das, Tamim Iqbal rested for final New Zealand ODI; Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam called up

Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das. (Photo Source: Zabed Hasnain Chowdhury/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images and MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP via Getty Images)

After losing the second ODI by 86 runs at the hands of New Zealand, star Bangladesh batters Litton Das and Tamim Iqbal have asked for rest in the third ODI of the series. Interestingly, Tamim was out with an injury for quite some time and recently returned to the squad. However, after just two matches, the cricketer has asked for another break ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup.

Notably, skipper Shakib Al Hasan has been rested from the ongoing series, and Litton was leading the team in his absence. Bangladesh Cricket Board or the selectors are yet to name the captain for the third ODI, but Habibul Bashar has confirmed the development regarding Litton and Tamim.

“Litton will be rested for the third and final ODI against New Zealand. Since recovering from his viral fever he joined the team in the Asia Cup so he needed some rest before returning for the World Cup. Tamim on the other hand also feeling some discomfort on his back and asked for rest after playing the second ODI. The medical team will assess his condition and decide over his condition by today,” Bashar told The Daily Star.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that pacers Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam will be available for selection in the third ODI of the series. On the other hand, Khaled Ahmed and Mahedi Hasan were brilliant with the ball in the last match, as each took three wickets. The bowlers did a commendable job restricting Bangladesh to 254 runs, but it’s the batters who have let the team down.

Tamim gave a good start with the bat, scoring 44 runs. However, none of the batters could assist him well as wickets kept falling from the other end. The returning Mahmudullah showed his class, hitting 49 runs under pressure, but couldn’t help his team cross the line. Notably, the first match of the series was washed out due to rain, and hence, New Zealand are currently leading 1-0 in the series.