Chattogram: Bangladesh have bolstered their pace attack by fielding Danzim Hasan Shakib at the Pir Shreshto Flight Lt Madiur Rahman Stadium for the third and final ODI against New Zealand.
The 23-year-old missed last month’s series against Pakistan due to a back injury and was not included in the squad for the opening two matches against the Black Caps, both of which had one win each.
However, the hosts have opted to include Tanzim in the 16-man squad for Thursday’s final as the pacers have played a decisive role in the series so far.
Danzim was Bangladesh’s best seamer at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, taking 11 wickets, and established himself as a regular in the team’s white-ball setup following his international debut against India in late 2023.
His inclusion gives Bangladesh an extra pace option after fellow pacer Nahit Rana starred in the second ODI on Monday. Rana produced a match-winning performance with a five-wicket haul to dismantle New Zealand’s batting line-up.
Nick Kelly was the only protester with 83 as New Zealand were bowled out for 198 in Dhaka. Half-centuries from Tanzid Hasan (76) and skipper Najmul Hossain Santo (50) helped Bangladesh chase down the target with ease.
Speaking after the match, Kelly praised Rana’s impact, highlighting the youngster’s pace and ability to exploit useful situations.
“He’s a really exciting young talent. He bowls with good pace and the wicket suits him. There’s a bit more grass and he produces more swing from the mid-140s,” Kelly said.
“He hit the stumps, got movement, and used the extra bounce effectively. Will Young’s dismissal was a good example – sharp pace and steep bounce. Maintaining a pace above 145 in that heat was very impressive.”
Updated Bangladesh Squad:
Mehdi Hasan Miraz (c), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hasan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Santo, Tawhid Hiridoi, Liton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanveer Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Razan and Taskin Ahmad
Series Table: