PHOTO: BCB

SPORTS REPORTER from Chattogram

Bangladesh will take on visiting New Zealand in a three-match T20I series starting Monday in Chattogram, following their 2-1 ODI series victory. However, the team management’s focus appears to extend beyond just the shortest format.

Spin-bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed hinted that Bangladesh are still searching for answers in key positions ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. That long-term planning influenced the inclusion of new faces Ripon Mondol and Abdul Gaffar Saqlain in the T20I squad, as part of efforts to build bench strength.

“T20 is a great format for development. Bringing in players like Saqlain and Ripon is important, but you want to win matches, so it’s about finding right balance,” Mushtaq said at a press conference yesterday.

Although Bangladesh missed out on the 2026 T20 World Cup, they have already qualified for the 2028 edition. Still, Mushtaq suggested that “with no T20 World Cup coming up soon, it’s a good time to develop players for the 50-over format”.

“Bangladesh cricket is moving in right direction… Performances in T20s can build confidence and help players transition into ODIs. It’s a useful platform to strengthen the bench.”

New recruit Saqlain impressed during practice, troubling left-handed opener Tanzid Tamim with movement away from the bat. He also showcased his hitting ability in the Emerging Asia Cup. With Bangladesh lacking a pace-bowling all-rounder in ODIs, the team management is keen to assess Saqlain’s potential.

Ripon, meanwhile, has shown promise with his death-over bowling, an area the team is eager to develop further.

There were also discussions around including Mosaddek Hossain in ODIs, but those plans appear to have been shelved.

Bangladesh fielded five top-order batters in the last two ODIs, exposing a lack of depth in the middle order. Mahidul Islam Ankon is yet to get a chance despite being a middle-order option, while Shamim Hossain remains on the sidelines.

Addressing these gaps will be a priority, and the upcoming series may serve as a testing ground to improve balance in the ODI squad.

However, it prompts a broader question about Bangladesh’s long-term plan for the next T20 World Cup, especially as the challenges in this shortest format appear to run deeper.