Maiden call-up for Bangladesh’s Sakib for Zimbabwe Test

DHAKA: Bangladesh’s white-ball pace sensation Tanzim Hasan Sakib earned his maiden Test call with selectors announcing on Tuesday the 15-member squad for first of two home Tests against Zimbabwe.Sakib, 22, replaces veteran Taskin Ahmed, 30, whose return to active cricket remains uncertain after an injury to his left Achilles tendon.

Bangladesh, a formidable opponent on slow and spin-friendly home pitches, will take on the visitors in Sylhet and Chattogram, with the first match starting on April 20. Sakib has already played 28 white-ball games for the national team and chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain said that he “showed his potential”. “He has pace, he has the ability to take wickets that opened the door for him to this set-up,” Hossain added.

The home team will be led by seasoned Najmul Hossain Shanto, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz his deputy. Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.