Soumya returns in Jaker-led Bangladesh team for Afghan T20Is

Soumya Sarkar was named in the Bangladesh T20I squad to face Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series in UAE next week, the left-handed batter's first inclusion in the shortest format since December last year.

The aggressive batter had played the last two matches of his 87-match career in Bangladesh's West Indies tour in December last year, scoring 54 runs in those two matches. Even though he played in the Champions Trophy (ODI format) in February this year, the left-hander subsequently suffered an injury and had not been considered for the national team since.

Currently playing in NCL T20 at home, Soumya has been called up to replace Litton Das, who has been ruled out of the T20I series against Afghanistan due to a back injury, which had also ruled him out of the last two matches of the ongoing Asia Cup.

Soumya is the only change from the Asia Cup squad, with Jaker Ali to lead the side against the Afghans.  The three matches will be held in Sharjah on October 2, 3 and 5.

SQUAD

Jaker Ali Anik (C), Tanzid Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin, Soumya Sarkar