T20 Series Rest for Three Pacers

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**Bangladesh Rest Senior Pacers, Include New Faces for New Zealand T20 Series**

Bangladesh has announced its squad for the initial two Twenty20 internationals against New Zealand, introducing two new faces and resting three key pace bowlers, including Nahid Rana, for the upcoming series. The first two matches are scheduled for April 27 and 29 at the Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram. The final match of the series will be played on May 2 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

The decision to rest Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Nahid Rana signals a significant shift in Bangladesh’s pace attack. Their absence opens the door for uncapped pace bowling all-rounder Abdul Gaffar Saklain, who earns his maiden national team call-up. The 28-year-old Saklain has garnered attention for his effective T20 bowling and his ability to strike boundaries lower down the order.

Joining Saklain as a new addition to the squad is Ripon Mondal. Mondal has impressed selectors with his consistent performances in death overs. While he previously featured in three T20 matches during the 2023 Asian Games, this marks his significant opportunity in the main squad.

Liton Das will captain the side, with Mohammad Saif Hasan serving as vice-captain. The batting lineup features Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, and Shamim Hossain. Nurul Hasan Sohan is included as the wicketkeeper.

The spin department will rely on the experience of Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, and Rishad Hossain. The pace attack, alongside Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Saif Uddin, will now incorporate the newly selected Saklain and Mondal.

The squad for the first two T20Is includes: Liton Das (captain), Mohammad Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Mohammad Saif Hasan (vice-captain), Shamim Hossain, Towhid Hridoy, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Sheikh Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Ripon Mondal, Saif Uddin, and Abdul Gaffar Saklain.