Hridoy handed Bangladesh captaincy for Zimbabwe T20Is

Towhid Hridoy will captain Bangladesh in the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe after Litton Das was granted leave to play in the Lanka Premier League. The Bangladesh Cricket Board announced a 15-member squad on Wednesday, featuring the recall of in-form all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain.

Litton and Taskin Ahmed have been allowed to miss the series for LPL commitments. Matches are in Bulawayo on July 15, 17, and 19.

Mosaddek returns after impressing in the recent ODI series against Australia, scoring 157 runs across three matches.

Yasir Ali returns to T20Is after nearly three years, last playing against Pakistan at the Asian Games in October 2023. Mohammad Saifuddin is back after missing the home Australia series, while Shamim Hossain has been rested due to poor form.

Bangladesh T20I squad: Towhid Hridoy (captain), Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Mohammed Saif Hassan, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Md Shaif Uddin, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain.

"We picked Mosaddek as he is in good batting form and can also bowl off-spin," said BCB chief selector Habibul Bashar.

"Yasir Ali can clear the ropes from down the order," he added, noting the selectors want a pace-bowling all-rounder, prompting Saifuddin's recall.

"Shamim hasn't scored in his last 9-10 innings. We are giving him a break," Bashar said. "Shanto's name was discussed but couldn't make it this time."