Bangladesh's New Weapon: Saqlain Gets First Call-Up
Dr. Annelies De Vos ·
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Bangladesh has called up uncapped all-rounder Abdul Gaffar Saqlain for the T20I series against New Zealand. Ripon Mondal also joins the squad as key pacers are rested.
Bangladesh cricket is shaking things up. They've just called up two fresh faces for the T20I series against New Zealand, and one of them is making his debut at the senior level. Let's dive into what this means for the team.
### Who Are the New Faces?
The big news is Abdul Gaffar Saqlain. He's an uncapped pace-bowling all-rounder, and the selectors have brought him in to solve a specific problem. Bangladesh has been missing a genuine bowling all-rounder in their T20 setup, and Saqlain fits that bill perfectly.
Selection panel chairman Habibul Bashar explained it simply: 'We were looking for a bowling all-rounder, that's why we picked him.' Saqlain has been tearing it up in domestic cricket, and the team believes his bowling style is tailor-made for T20s. Plus, he can swing the bat a bit down the order, which is always a bonus.
The other newcomer is Ripon Mondal, a 23-year-old right-arm quick. He's not a complete rookie—he played three T20 matches for Bangladesh at the 2023 Asian Games. But this is his first real call-up to the senior squad for a bilateral series. The selectors noticed his knack for taking wickets, especially in the death overs, which is a huge asset in the shortest format.
### Why Are They Resting Key Pacers?
Here's where it gets interesting. For the first two T20Is, Bangladesh is leaving out three of their most experienced fast bowlers: Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Nahid Rana.
- Mustafizur is heading to Pakistan to join Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League after the ODI series.
- Nahid Rana needs a physical break after a grueling run of cricket before the upcoming Test matches against New Zealand.
- Taskin Ahmed is also being rested, though no specific reason was given.
This is a smart move. It gives the new guys a chance to prove themselves against a strong New Zealand side, and it keeps the veterans fresh for the longer format.
### A Look at the Squad
The squad for the first two T20Is is a mix of youth and experience. Litton Kumar Das remains captain, with Mohammad Saif Hassan as vice-captain. Here's the full 15-man team:
- Litton Kumar Das (C)
- Mohammed Parvez Hossain Emon
- Tanzid Hasan
- Mohammed Saif Hassan (VC)
- Shamim Hossain
- Tawhid Hridoy
- Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan
- Shakib Mahedi Hasan
- Nasum Ahmed
- Rishad Hossain
- Shoriful Islam
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib
- Ripon Mondal
- Shaif Uddin
- Abdul Gaffar Saqlain
Habibul also mentioned that Mohammad Saifuddin is another bowling all-rounder they can rely on. 'We have a good all-rounder in the squad in Saifuddin,' he said. 'We didn't change the batsmen; those who were here previously have been retained.'
### Series Schedule
The three-match T20I series kicks off on April 27 in Chattogram. The second match is at the same venue on April 29, and the series wraps up in Dhaka at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on May 2.
For all the latest updates on the series, follow the Jeetwin Blog.