Saif Hassan Earns Maiden ODI Call-Up, Nurul Hasan Returns for Afghanistan Series

Bangladesh have named Saif Hassan in their ODI squad for the first time, while wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan has earned a recall after a two-year absence. The duo will feature in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.

Hassan, who made a strong return to international cricket during the Asia Cup, impressed with two half-centuries – a 45-ball 61 against Sri Lanka and 69 against India – in the Super Four stage. He had also returned to the T20I setup earlier this year against the Netherlands and has been a consistent performer in domestic List A cricket.

Nurul Hasan’s return comes on the back of a match-winning performance in the first T20I against Afghanistan, where he scored a crucial 23* off just 13 balls to guide Bangladesh to victory. Like Saif, Nurul has been a reliable presence in the domestic circuit.

Meanwhile, opener Litton Das has not been included in the squad as he continues his recovery from a side strain sustained during the Asia Cup, which also ruled him out of the ongoing T20I series against Afghanistan.

Parvez Hossain Emon, who was part of the ODI squad during the last series against Afghanistan in July, has been left out.

The squad announcement comes amid logistical challenges, with Mohammad Naim — named in the ODI squad — yet to travel as he awaits his UAE visa. Soumya Sarkar, a member of the T20I squad, is also stuck in Dhaka due to visa delays, though he has not been picked for the ODIs.

ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, along with Najmul Hossain Shanto, Hasan Mahmud, Tanvir Islam, and Nahid Rana, will depart for the UAE on Friday to join the rest of the squad.

The ODI series against Afghanistan will begin on October 8, followed by the second and third matches on October 11 and 14 in Abu Dhabi. The second and third T20Is of the ongoing series are scheduled for October 3 and 5 in Sharjah.

Bangladesh ODI Squad vs Afghanistan:

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Mohammad Naim, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana