Bangladesh are currently taking on Afghanistan in the third ODI on November 11. Both teams had one win each, making the match a series decider. Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first, setting the stage for a competitive contest. However, the team made a couple of significant changes, most notably the absence of their regular captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz takes the captaincy duties
In the absence of Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, took the responsibility of leading the side. During the toss he revealed that Shanto is out of the match due to a groin injury. The injury has forced Shanto to miss the game, and promising young batter Zakir Hasan has been brought in as his replacement. Shanto’s absence could have a significant impact, especially after his impressive performances in the first two ODIs, where he scored 123 runs, including a vital 76-run contribution in the second match.
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No place for Taskin Ahmed
Another change in the squad is the exclusion of fast bowler Taskin Ahmed. Though Mehidy didn’t specify the exact reason for his absence, it is widely believed that Taskin has been rested to manage his workload. The fast bowler has been in good form, taking five wickets in the first two games, including a match-changing four-wicket haul in the second ODI. To replace Taskin, young pacer Nahid Rana has been included in the playing XI.
“We’ll bat first. The wicket looks good in the first innings. Good moment for me (to play 100th ODI). Two changes. Shanto got injured, Taskin is not playing. Zakir and Nahid Rana are playing,” said Mehidy at the toss.
Bangladesh’s playing XI for the ODI series decider
Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Zakir Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali (wk), Nasum Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman
Also READ: Mushfiqur Rahim misses out as Bangladesh announces 15-man squad for the Test series against West Indies
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