All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan returns to Bangladesh squad for Afghanistan ODIs

Bangladesh have announced a 15-man squad for the forthcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan. The three-match ODI series will commence on July 5, at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, in Chattogram. Notably, the venue will be hosting all three matches of the series.

Bangladesh star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has returned to the squad for the upcoming three-game series. The 36-year-old missed the one-off Test against Afghanistan at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur due to a finger injury sustained during the ODI series against Ireland in May.

The hosts will look to extend their winning streak in the 50-over format, like they have done recently against India and Ireland.

Bangladesh recently played a T20I series, a one-off Test, and an ODI series against Ireland ahead of the series against Afghanistan. The limited-overs series was hosted by Bangladesh, while the one-off Test and ODI series were played in the United Kingdom. Notably, the Tamim Iqbal-led side won the entire series against Ireland.

Bangladesh beat Afghanistan by a mammoth 546 runs in a one-off Test

Afghanistan's visit to Bangladesh began with a one-off Test, which the Litton Das-led side won by an enormous 546 runs. Bangladesh scored 382 in the opening innings thanks to Najmul Hossain Shanto's century. Ebadot Hossain took four wickets as the visitors were bundled out for 146 in their first innings. 

Shanto hit a century again in the second innings, and Mominul Haque added a ton as Bangladesh declared on 425 on Day 3, to set a 662-run target. Chasing a mammoth total, Taskin Ahmed claimed a four-wicket haul as the hosts limited Hashmatullah Shahidi-led side to 115 to clinch the game by 546 runs. The win marked the third-largest victory overall in the longest format of the game.

The three-match ODI series between Bangladesh and Afghanistan will be followed by a three-match T20I series.

Bangladesh Squad:

Tamim Iqbal (c), Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Afif Hossain, Mohammad Naim