Published on 12:00 AM, September 10, 2021

Changes likely for fifth T20I

Wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan and leg-spinner Aminul Islam may be looking in same direction during training but their status in the side is in stark contrast. With Nurul having already cemented his place in the side, Aminul can only hope to make a first-time impression in the series against New Zealand today. Photo: FIROZ AHMED
Mazhar Uddin

Having already sealed the five-match T20I series against New Zealand with a game in hand, the hosts will look to tinker with the playing eleven in the fifth and final game at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today.

Bangladesh's think-tank may have opted for an unchanged playing eleven for four consecutive games but after the selectors have named a 15-member squad for the T20I World Cup yesterday, head coach Russell Domingo will surely look to provide an opportunity to those who have not featured so far.

It was learned that ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan may choose to rest for the fifth game as he is suffering from pain in his finger while Mohammad Saifuddin, who suffered a blow to his finger while going for the ball off his own bowling in the fourth game, may also sit out.

The team management is expected to rest pacer Mustafizur Rahman and left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed, who has been part of the playing eleven for the last four games.

Among those in the squad for the T20 World Cup, Soumya Sarkar, Shamim Hossain, Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed could get outings for the first time in the series today.

Soumya is still recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in training on Wednesday and it will be interesting to see whether the left-handed batsman can make it to the playing eleven.

The batting department is still among the major concerns for the Tigers, with the likes of Naim Sheikh, Liton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim yearning for confidence ahead of the mega-event.

It would not be a surprise if the likes of leg-spinner Aminul Islam, Mosaddek Hossain and Rubel Hossain, who were named reserves for the T20 World Cup, also make it to the playing eleven today.

On the other hand, New Zealand will be looking to get some positives from the fifth and final game after being able to win only one game on the tour.

Tom Latham and Co. will be traveling to Pakistan after the series to take part in a three-match ODI and five-match T20I series and they will be desperate to make today's game count.

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