Star All-Rounder Shakib Al Hasan Returns to T20I Ahead of T20 World Cup

Shakib Al Hasan, who last appeared in a T20I match in July 2023, has been selected for Bangladesh’s squad for the final two T20Is against Zimbabwe. His last appearance was in a home series against Afghanistan.

Currently, Bangladesh holds an unassailable lead of 3-0 in the ongoing five-match series against Zimbabwe.

Shakib’s return to the T20I squad is a significant boost for the team as they prepare for the Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA. Shakib is the most experienced player in the tournament’s history for Bangladesh.

Shakib, who featured in the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2007, is among the few players to have made appearances in all the editions so far.

At 37, Shakib brings the experience of 117 T20Is, with 2382 runs and 140 wickets to his name. Bangladesh is yet to announce their squad for the 2024 event, but Shakib’s timely return is a positive indication of his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad.

Bangladesh Squad for 4th and 5th T20I:

Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Litton Kumer Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shakib Al Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Soumya Sarkar, Tanvir Islam, Shaif Uddin

Experienced batter Soumya Sarkar and pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who missed the first three games of the ongoing series, have also been named in the squad for the remaining games.

Notably absent from the squad are Parvez Hossain Emon and Afif Hossain, while fast-bowler Shoriful Islam has been rested.

Bangladesh managed to overcome Faraz Akram’s late charge to seal a 3-0 series win over Zimbabwe. #BANvZIM : Match Report Match Highlights

The final two games of the series will take place in Mirpur on 10 and 12 May respectively.