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[Saba Sports News] After a disappointing loss in the second ODI against New Zealand, Bangladesh’s star batters, Litton Das and Tamim Iqbal, have requested a break for the upcoming third ODI. Interestingly, Tamim had recently returned to the squad after being sidelined due to injury, and now he seeks another rest ahead of the ODI World Cup.
Captain Shakib Al Hasan has already been rested for the series, with Litton leading the team in his absence. While the Bangladesh Cricket Board and selectors have yet to name the captain for the third ODI, Habibul Bashar confirmed the requests made by Litton and Tamim.
Bashar stated, “Litton will be rested for the third and final ODI against New Zealand. Since recovering from his viral fever, he joined the team in the Asia Cup, so he needed some rest before returning for the World Cup. Tamim, on the other hand, is also experiencing discomfort in his back and has asked for rest after playing the second ODI. The medical team will assess his condition and decide on his availability today.”
Meanwhile, pacers Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam will be available for selection in the third ODI. In the previous match, Khaled Ahmed and Mahedi Hasan performed exceptionally with the ball, each taking three wickets. However, Bangladesh’s batters struggled, managing only 254 runs. Tamim provided a good start with 44 runs, but the rest of the team couldn’t support him effectively. Despite Mahmudullah’s valiant 49-run contribution under pressure, Bangladesh couldn’t secure a victory.
The first match of the series was washed out due to rain, leaving New Zealand with a 1-0 lead in the series.