Surprise call-up for mystery spinner Aliss in Bangladesh squad for tri-nation series

Mystery spinner Aliss Al Islam has received a surprise first call-up to Bangladesh’s ODI side, named in a 16-man squad for the tri-nation series against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, which the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced on Saturday.

Aliss only made his T20I debut at the Asian Games, so his promotion to the 50-over format comes quickly, with the spin department also featuring Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Litton Das, recently appointed ODI captain, will lead the team, with Towhid Hridoy as his deputy.

Miraz recently stepped down as skipper, but he keeps his place among the spinners in a side that blends experience with fresh options.

Nahid Rana, who remains sidelined through injury, has been left out.

The pace attack will instead be led by Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam.

Mohammad Saifuddin returns after recovering from injury, while Soumya Sarkar and Mosaddek Hossain Saikat have also been included. Nurul Hasan Sohan completes the group of batters and wicketkeeping options alongside Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tanzid Hasan Tamim.

Bangladesh open their campaign against Zimbabwe on October 17. Zimbabwe then meet Afghanistan on October 19, before Bangladesh play Afghanistan on October 21, with the final scheduled for October 23.

Bangladesh squad: Litton Das (captain), Towhid Hridoy (vice-captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mohammad Saifuddin, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Is