Najmul Hossain Shanto to lead Bangladesh in final New Zealand ODI

Bangladesh are currently playing a three-match ODI series against New Zealand at home. With the ODI World Cup beginning next month, Bangladesh decided to rest quite a few players who are set to make the trip to India to play in the marquee event in the first couple of ODIs against the Black Caps.

The first game ended in a no-result, while New Zealand won the second game by 86 runs. Litton Das led the team in the first couple of games. However, he has been rested for the third ODI, which is scheduled to be held in Mirpur on Tuesday, as Bangladesh's highest run-getter in the 50-over format in 2023, Najmul Hossain Shanto, will take on the leadership duties.

Alongside Litton, other World Cup-bound players like Tamim Iqbal and Mustafizur Rahman were rested for the final game against New Zealand. On the other hand, the likes of Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, and Shoriful Islam returned to the side as Soumya Sarkar, Nurul Hasan, and Khaled Ahmed made way. Tamim said after the second ODI that he experienced pain after returning from a back injury. Litton, who was down with viral fever last month, has reportedly been feeling the after-effects.

Shanto suffered a hamstring injury during the Asia Cup, which didn't allow him to take part in the Super Four stage. He will look to get some game time ahead of the World Cup, and so will the likes of Mushfiqur, Mehidy, Taskin, and Shoriful. Bangladesh ended their Asia Cup campaign with a morale-boosting win against India. They will look to level the series against the Kiwis and enter the impending showpiece event with some confidence.

The Bangla Tigers play their opening game in the World Cup against Afghanistan on October 7 in Dharamsala. Shakib Al Hasan and Co. will play a couple of warm-up games prior to this clash against Sri Lanka (September 29) and England (October 2).

Bangladesh squad for third ODI versus New Zealand: Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Zakir Hasan, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud and Rishad Hossain