Bangladesh has now named Anamul Haque as their preferred opener for the second Test match after suffering a very disheartening defeat at home against Zimbabwe. Notably, Zakir Hasan, who was not given an opportunity in the Sylhet match, has been replaced by the in-form batter. Tanvir Islam, who has not yet made his format debut, has also been added to the Najmul Hossain Shanto-led team in place of star pacer Nahid Rana.
Rana has been sidelined because of his responsibilities with Babar Azam’s Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, even though he had a respectable performance in the first game, taking three wickets in the first innings. Islam, a left-arm spinner who averages 27.06 in First Class cricket, has been called up for the series finale; but, with a full squad, it appears unlikely that he would be included in the playing XI.
Coming back to Anamul Haque, the right-handed hitter made his red-ball debut in 2013 in the series against Sri Lanka at home, but stayed on the sidelines after playing just four games.
He did make a comeback in June 2022, but had a bad showing in the comeback game as well, which had him dropped once again. However, some great form at the top of the order in the local 50-over league has boosted his cause once again, and the batter would hop to not let the selectors down this time round.
The second Test is slated to be played at Chattogram’s Zahur Ahmed Choudhary Stadium from April 28 and the hosts will be seeking to conclude the series on even terms with a win in the next encounter. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, would like to bring home a whitewash series that would make history for the African country.
BAN team for 2025’s second test against ZIM
Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vice-capt), Jaker Ali (wk), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Tanvir Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib
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