Bangladesh has selected uncapped mystery spinner Aliss Al Islam for its 16-member squad ahead of the upcoming tri-nation ODI series in the UAE. The tournament, featuring Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, is set to commence in Abu Dhabi on October 17. Aliss, who previously represented Bangladesh in a T20I against Sri Lanka at the Asian Games, is the only newcomer in a group that also welcomes back Litton Das, Mustafizur Rahman, and Hasan Mahmud. Aliss was the only surprise in the squad that saw the return of Litton Das, Mustafizur Rahman and Hasan Mahmud in the 50-over format.
The offspinner brings a strong domestic record to the national side, having claimed 35 wickets across 19 List A matches. He holds an average of 17.05 and maintains an economical rate of 4.05, highlighted by a five-wicket performance. Chief selector Habibul Bashar expressed confidence in the selection, noting that the team specifically required a middle-overs wicket-taker. He added that Aliss’s strong showing during the Bangladesh A tour of South Africa paved the way for his inclusion.
Regarding team fitness, selector Habibul Bashar confirmed that fast bowler Nahid Rana remains unavailable due to injury and is currently undergoing rehabilitation. Consequently, Parvez Hossain and Mohammad Saifuddin have been dropped from the side that previously faced Zimbabwe. The schedule begins on October 17 with Bangladesh taking on Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi. This is followed by an Afghanistan versus Zimbabwe clash on October 19 at the same venue, and finally, a matchup between Afghanistan and Bangladesh in Sharjah on October 21.
