Shoriful, Shanto Added, Soumya Dropped: Bangladesh’s Probable XI Vs SA

Shoriful, Shanto Added, Soumya Dropped: Bangladesh’s Probable XI Vs SA

Bangladesh is set to face South Africa in the first ODI of a three-match series on March 18 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. Ahead of the series opener, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a probable XI with some notable changes.

Shoriful Returns, Soumya Dropped

Pacer Shoriful Islam, who missed the recent T20I series against Sri Lanka due to an injury, has been recalled to the squad and is likely to make his comeback in the first ODI. On the other hand, experienced all-rounder Soumya Sarkar has been dropped from the probable XI.

Shanto to Open

Young opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who was supposed to open the batting alongside Tamim Iqbal, has been ruled out due to a hand injury. As a result, Najmul Hossain Shanto is expected to partner Tamim at the top of the order.

Probable XI

1. Tamim Iqbal (c)
2. Najmul Hossain Shanto
3. Shakib Al Hasan
4. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk)
5. Afif Hossain
6. Mahmudullah Riyad
7. Shoriful Islam
8. Taskin Ahmed
9. Ebadot Hossain
10. Mehidy Hasan Miraz
11. Nurul Hasan (wk)

Match Outlook

Bangladesh will be keen to start the series on a positive note against a strong South African side. The hosts will rely on their experienced batting lineup, led by Tamim and Shakib, to set a solid foundation. The bowling attack, with the inclusion of Shoriful, will also be under scrutiny to contain the Proteas’ power-hitters.

South Africa, on the other hand, will be looking to build on their recent success in the T20I series against India. They have a formidable batting unit, featuring Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, and David Miller, and a balanced bowling attack led by Kagiso Rabada.

The first ODI between Bangladesh and South Africa is expected to be a close and exciting affair. Both teams will be eager to start the series with a win and set the tone for the rest of the matches.