Hridoy Hopes for a Fresh Start in T20Is After Disappointing Tour Bangladesh interim T20I captain Towhid Hridoy expressed optimism ahead of the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, aiming to move past a challenging tour that saw the team suffer a heavy defeat in the one-off Test and a 2-1 loss in the One Day International (ODI) series. The series, set to begin on July 15 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, marks a fresh opportunity for the Tigers to bounce back after a frustrating campaign in Harare. The Bangladesh team arrived in Bulawayo following a difficult stint in Zimbabwe, where they lost the Test by an innings and 85 runs before falling 2-1 in the ODI series. Despite the setbacks, Hridoy highlighted the importance of adapting to the new format and conditions. "It's a different format and a different venue, so if we play good cricket, hopefully we will get the desired result," he said ahead of the series opener. Hridoy will lead the team in the T20Is, continuing his captaincy role after making his debut against Australia. The absence of regular T20I captain Litton Das remains a concern, as the right-handed batsman is sidelined due to a calf injury. Das, who missed the home T20I series against Australia and the ongoing Zimbabwe tour, has been granted leave to play in the Lanka Premier League (LPL). His absence leaves a gap in leadership, though Hridoy remains focused on the immediate challenges. Another key absentee is left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who is ruled out of the T20Is after sustaining a hamstring injury during the first ODI in Harare. The fast bowler’s exclusion further complicates Bangladesh’s bowling options, as the team looks to balance its attack in the shorter format. Hridoy emphasized the need for a strong start, noting the challenges posed by Zimbabwe’s home conditions.#zimbabwe #litton_das #mustafizur_rahman #towhid_hridoy #queens_sports_club
Bangladesh Cricket Board Announces Test Squad for Zimbabwe Series The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has finalized a 15-player squad for the upcoming one-off Test against Zimbabwe, which is set to take place later this month. The selection includes two uncapped players, Towhid Hridoy and Robiul Haque, while several experienced players were rested to experiment with new strategies. The squad marks a significant shift in the team’s approach, with a focus on adapting to a different style of Test cricket. Among the notable changes, all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, along with pace bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana, were left out of the squad. The decision to rest these players was part of the selectors’ effort to introduce fresh talent and test alternative combinations. Ebadot Hossain retained his place in the lineup, while Hasan Mahmud and Khaled Ahmed returned to the side after previous absences. Mohammad Saifuddin, who had been a regular in the team, was dropped from the squad. Meanwhile, Ripon Mondol and Tanzim Hasan, who were injured, were excluded due to their unavailability for the T20I series against Australia, scheduled for June 17–21. The inclusion of Hridoy and Robiul Haque highlights the BCB’s emphasis on balancing batting and bowling depth. Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, and Taskin Ahmed were recalled after being rested from the three-match series against New Zealand. Their return adds experience to the squad, particularly for the longer format of the game. Additionally, Saif Hasan, who had served as vice-captain, relinquished his role, with Hridoy named as his replacement. Hridoy, who has played 111 limited-overs internationals, earned his first call-up in 2024 during the Sri Lanka series but did not make his debut.#zimbabwe #bangladesh_cricket_board #towhid_hridoy #habibul_bashar #robial_haque
Bangladesh Eye Rare Double-Series Win Over New Zealand in Rainy Dhaka Bangladesh aims to secure a historic double-series victory over New Zealand in the third T20I of their tour, set to take place in Dhaka on May 2, 2026. The match, part of a three-game series, will be played under challenging weather conditions, with forecasts indicating heavy rain. The team’s strategy will be tested as they seek to capitalize on the spin-friendly pitches and unpredictable weather to overcome a New Zealand side that has dominated the series so far. The series has been a mixed bag for Bangladesh, with their middle-order batting lineup facing scrutiny after a poor performance in the third ODI. However, the team showed resilience in the first T20I, where Towhid Hridoy and Parvez Hossain Emon delivered a standout performance in the chase. Hridoy, who struggled in the ODI, scored a quick half-century alongside Parvez, helping Bangladesh secure a crucial win. Shamim Hossain also contributed with a series of aggressive shots, shedding the rust from his two-month layoff. This resurgence in the middle order has positioned Bangladesh as strong contenders for the series, despite the challenges posed by the weather. New Zealand, on the other hand, has been the dominant force in the series, with Ish Sodhi emerging as the standout bowler. Sodhi, who has taken 164 wickets in T20Is, is tied with Tim Southee as New Zealand’s highest wicket-taker in the format. His performance in the first T20I was pivotal, as his expensive third over allowed Bangladesh to mount a comeback. However, the spin-friendly conditions in Dhaka are expected to favor New Zealand’s bowlers, including Sodhi, who will be under pressure to deliver a match-winning performance. Team changes are anticipated for both sides.#new_zealand #ish_sodhi #bangladesh #towhid_hridoy #parvez_hossain_emon
