Liton returns to squad for Asia Cup Super-4 stage

Bangladesh welcome back Liton Das for the Super 4 stage of Asia Cup after the opening batter made a recovery from viral fever.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan Papon, on Monday, was taken aback with the development that opener Liton Das will fly for Pakistan to join the Asia Cup team. But later in the night, BCB confirmed by issuing a press release that Liton will join the team today.

The illness had prevented Liton from joining the squad in Sri Lanka for the tournament opener, but after a clearance certificate from the medical team, the wicketkeeper batter will now team up with the squad for the Super 4 stage of the tournament.

Bangladesh included Anamul Haque Bijoy as a replacement but he is yet to feature for the Tigers in the six-nation tournament.

Bangladesh had sealed their qualification for the stage with a convincing 89-run win over Afghanistan on Sunday with Mehedi Hasan Miraz, taking the place of Liton at the top of the order, making a memorable hundred.

"The Asia Cup squad has a few injury concerns and the team management felt the need for an additional player going into the Super Four," chief selector Minhajul Abedin Nannu said.

"We have received the BCB Medical Team's clearance regarding Litton's health and have decided to send him to Pakistan."

It'll be interesting to see how Bangladesh sort their batting order with Das returning. Miraz and Mohammad Naim had opened the batting against Afghanistan after Tanzid Hasan made a duck in the opening game. 

Najmul Hossain Shanto has also been among the runs from No.3 with a century in the Afghanistan fixture. If Das comes back at the top of the order, Mehidy might be moved back down the order to where he usually bats.

Bangladesh will play their first Super-4 match against Pakistan on September 6.