Fast Bowling All-Rounder Saifuddin Returns to Bangladesh T20I Squad for Zimbabwe Series

Bangladesh has announced the return of fast bowling all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin to the T20I squad for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe in May.

As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 draws closer, the inclusion of Saifuddin, a veteran of 34 T20Is for Bangladesh, strengthens the squad. His last appearance was in October 2022.

After a lengthy injury hiatus, Saifuddin made a successful comeback, recently playing a key role in Fortune Barishal’s championship-winning campaign in the Bangladesh Premier League.

The squad also includes ODI opener Tanzid Hasan, who is yet to make his debut in T20 internationals.

The team, under the leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto, will be missing Shakib Al Hasan initially, but the all-rounder is expected to join the squad in the latter half of the series.

Shakib took a break after the 2023 ODI World Cup concluded in November due to an eye condition and a finger injury. He made his return to international cricket in the Chattogram Test against Sri Lanka earlier this month.

The first three T20Is against Zimbabwe will be played in Chattogram on May 3, 5, and 7. The final two T20Is are scheduled in Dhaka on May 10 and 12.

Bangladesh Squad for First Three T20Is:

Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Litton Kumer Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanvir Islam, Afif Hossain, Saifuddin.