Bangladesh recall Shafiul for Afghan ODIs

First ever bilateral one-day series between two countries will start from September 25

DHAKA: Bangladesh on Thursday named uncapped batsman Mosaddek Hossain and recalled bowler Shafiul Islam in their squad for the start of their first ever bilateral ODI series against Afghanistan.

The selectors also dropped paceman Al-Amin Hossain in a revamped 13-man squad for the first two games in the three-match contest that begins on Sunday at Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

"We thought Shafiul would be a better option as he bowled fantastically well in recent training sessions," chief selector Minhajul Abedin told a press conference in Dhaka. "Our management also preferred Shafiul ahead of Al-Amin, who is lagging behind in terms of fitness and fielding."

Paceman Rubel Hossain was also recalled to the side after an injury-plagued season, which forced him to miss the Zimbabwe ODIs in November last year.

Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam also returned to the team, having last played an ODI against New Zealand in the World Cup last year.

Paceman Taskin Ahmed will join the squad provided he gets clearance from the ICC over his bowling action, said chief selector Abedin.

He was banned from bowling in international cricket for an illegal action during the ICC World T20 in India earlier this year.

He underwent a reassessment of his action in Australia on September 8 and is now awaiting the result.

Mossaddek played a Twenty20 international against Zimbabwe last year, but is yet to win a cap in Test or ODIs.

The 20-year-old was called up after some fine performances in the Dhaka Premier League, Bangladesh's top 50-over domestic league, in which he averaged 77.75 with a strike rate of 104.89.

All three matches are taking place at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium, with the second game on September 28 and the finale on October 1.

Squad:

Mashrafe Mortaza (captain), Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim, Sabbir Rahman, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mosaddek Hossain, Nasir Hossain, Taijul Islam, Shafiul Islam and Rubel Hossain.