BSS
  01 Jul 2026, 18:50

Bangladesh shift focus to ODI series following Test defeat

DHAKA, July 1, 2026 (BSS) - After a shocking defeat in the one-off Test that 
ended inside three days, Bangladesh wasted no time in beginning preparations 
for the upcoming ODI series against Zimbabwe, which starts on July 6.

The ODI squad was originally scheduled to begin training on July 3, a day 
after the Test. However, with the match ending in just three days, the team 
management decided to make full use of the extra two days for preparation.

Bangladesh entered the one-off Test against Zimbabwe on the back of some 
impressive performances in the format, but Zimbabwe brought them back down to 
earth by crushing the visitors by an innings and 85 runs, the biggest victory 
in Zimbabwe's Test history.

The innings defeat was also Bangladesh's first against Zimbabwe in 25 years.

Following Zimbabwe's outstanding performance in the Test, the upcoming ODI 
series is expected to be highly competitive.

Before the Zimbabwe tour, Bangladesh had won four consecutive bilateral ODI 
series, including a historic series victory over Australia.

Although Bangladesh have dominated Zimbabwe in the ODI format, winning 51 of 
their 81 encounters while losing 30, the African side has reason for 
confidence.

The last time the two teams met in an ODI series, Zimbabwe defeated 
Bangladesh 2-1 on home soil in 2022.

Bangladesh rested some of their key pacers for the Test match, but they are 
expected to return for the ODI series, providing a significant boost to the 
squad.

However, Liton Das is unlikely to be included in the ODI squad, despite being 
expected to miss only the first ODI.

Earlier today, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the T20I squad, 
leaving out Liton, who currently serves as Bangladesh's captain in the 
shortest format of the game.

Bangladesh ODI squad: Mehidy Hassan Miraz (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Mohammed 
Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (Vice-Captain), Tawhid 
Hridoy, Liton Das, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad 
Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and 
Nahid Rana.