Shakib Al Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman having a chat during BAN vs ZIM (x.com)
Bangladesh’s actual preparations for the T20 World Cup 2024 will get underway on Tuesday (May 21) when they take on the USA in the first T20I of the three-match series at Prairie View Cricket Complex, Houston.
The word ‘actual’ is being used here because the World Cup, to begin next month, is set to take place in the USA and the West Indies. Bangladesh have played a few T20Is lately, against Zimbabwe at home, but conditions in the USA will be entirely different.
In a bold move, Bangladesh decided to drop Litton Das from the playing XI against Zimbabwe. Litton was in terrible form with the bat, and the decision taken by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) was entirely justified just before the showpiece event.
In Litton’s absence, Bangladesh recalled Soumya Sarkar to open with Tanzid Hasan. They are expected to keep the same against the USA as well, with Towhid Hridoy and Najmul Hossain Shanto to follow. Shakib Al Hasan, Jaker Ali, and Mahmudullah, in all likelihood, are likely to occupy Nos. 5, 6, and 7 respectively.
Among the bowlers, Shoriful Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin, and Mustafizur Rahman are set to be Bangladesh’s frontline pacers, with Mahedi Hasan being the solo designated spinner.
Bangladesh’s Probable XI Vs USA In 1st T20I
Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Jaker Ali (wk), Mahmudullah, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mahedi Hasan, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman