Saifuddin drafted into Bangladesh squad for third Zimbabwe ODI

DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has included all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin in the squad for the third and final ODI against Zimbabwe after Mustafizur Rahman was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Mustafizur sustained a right hamstring strain during the opening ODI of the series and has been ruled out of the remainder of the tour. He will return to Bangladesh to continue his rehabilitation and is expected to be sidelined for four weeks.

Saifuddin has been drafted into the squad for Saturday's series finale in Harare as Bangladesh look to avoid a clean sweep after Zimbabwe secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Following the conclusion of the ODI series, both teams will turn their attention to the three-match T20I series. Bangladesh have also made a change to their T20I squad, recalling Taskin Ahmed in place of the injured Mustafizur.

The fast bowler had previously been granted permission to skip the Zimbabwe series to fulfil his Lanka Premier League (LPL) commitments but will now join the national side before linking up with his franchise.

Taskin and veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan were set to represent Jaffna Kings in the LPL, while Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz were set to play for Galle Marvels.

Chief selector Habibul Bashar confirmed that Taskin will feature in the T20I series before joining his LPL franchise.

It is pertinent to mention that the T20I series will get under way on July 15, with the opening match scheduled to be played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, which will also host the remaining two fixtures on July 17 and July 19, respectively.