You know, it’s not every day you see a cricket captain publicly take on their own selection panel, but that’s exactly the drama we’ve been treated to ahead of the T20I series decider between Bangladesh and Ireland. The big news is that young middle-order batsman Shamim Hossain has been added back to the squad for the crucial third match. This comes right after captain Litton Das, a man known for his calm demeanor, made waves by questioning Shamim's initial exclusion.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Shamim Hossain has been added back to the Bangladesh squad for the deciding third T20I against Ireland.
- ✓ Captain Litton Das openly criticized the selectors for dropping Shamim without informing him or the coach.
- ✓ Litton led from the front with a match-winning 57 off 37 balls in the second T20I to level the series 1-1.
- ✓ Despite Shamim's recent poor form (scores of 0, 0, 1, and 1), his captain's backing led to a selection U-turn.
- ✓ A tense second match saw Bangladesh chase down 171 thanks to a late cameo from Mohammad Saifuddin.
The Captain vs. The Selectors: A Public Spat
Let’s rewind a bit to before the first T20I. Eyebrows were raised when Shamim Hossain’s name was missing from the squad list. It turns out, the captain's was one of them. Litton Das didn't hold back, stating that he and coach Phil Simmons were kept in the dark about the decision. It was a surprisingly blunt and public critique from a player not known for making headlines off the field.
He was pretty direct, saying, "I think it would have been better if [Shamim] was in the team. But this is not my call, [it is] totally the selectors' call." The sentiment was clear: the team’s leader felt sidelined in a key decision-making process. The initial reasoning from chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain was that they wanted to give Mahidul Islam Ankon a chance in the middle order. It all seemed like a standard squad rotation, but Litton’s comments suggested something more was brewing beneath the surface.
A Frosty Relationship and a Sudden U-Turn
The response from chief selector Ashraf was just as firm. He countered that he didn't need the captain's permission to select a player, highlighting a clear disconnect. Reports have suggested that the relationship between Das and Ashraf has been "frosty" ever since the captain was dropped during an ODI series against Sri Lanka last year. This ongoing tension seems to have finally spilled out into the open over Shamim's selection.
What's fascinating is the rapid change of heart. After all that public back-and-forth, the Bangladesh Cricket Board announced on Sunday that Shamim was back in the squad. Another selector, Hasibul Hossain, tried to smooth things over, claiming, "Shamim was never out of our plan it was just that we wanted see what other options we had." It sounds a lot like damage control, but for Litton Das, it’s a victory. He stood up for his player, and it worked.
Letting the Bat Do the Talking
With all this off-field noise, the focus shifted to the second T20I on Saturday, where the series was on the line. After winning the toss and batting first, Ireland put up a really competitive total of 170-6. Their captain, Paul Stirling, got them off to a flying start with a blistering 29 from just 14 balls, helping his side race to 75 in the powerplay. It looked like a massive score was on the cards.
However, Bangladesh managed to pull things back. Pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib got the crucial breakthrough of Stirling, and then spinner Mahedi Hasan worked his magic. He claimed an impressive 3-25, removing the Tector brothers and Ben Calitz in quick succession, which really stalled Ireland's momentum. Despite the fightback, a solid 41 from Lorcan Tucker anchored the innings and ensured the visitors had a challenging total to defend.
A Captain's Knock When It Mattered Most
Chasing 171, Bangladesh needed their leader to step up, and Litton Das did exactly that. After losing his opening partner Tanzid Hasan early, Litton took control of the chase. He forged a brilliant 60-run partnership with Parvez Hossain, who contributed a valuable 43. Litton was the picture of composure and class, playing beautifully to keep the scoreboard ticking.
He brought up his 20th T20 half-century in style, launching a slog-sweep for six over long-on. His final score of 57 from just 37 balls was the backbone of the innings. It was a true captain's knock, coming at a time when he was under pressure not just as a batsman, but as a leader who had just challenged his own board. He was proving his point with both his words and his performance.
A Nail-Biting Finish and a Series on the Line
Just when it looked like Bangladesh was cruising to a comfortable victory, things took a dramatic turn. Litton's dismissal triggered a mini-collapse. Suddenly, the home side lost four wickets for just 19 runs in the space of 20 balls. The pressure was immense, and the game was suddenly hanging in the balance. It was a classic T20 thriller in the making.
Enter Mohammad Saifuddin. With nerves jangling, he walked to the crease and immediately eased the tension by smashing a six off the very first ball he faced. It was a statement of intent. He went on to play a crucial, match-winning cameo, smashing an unbeaten 17 from just seven deliveries. His composure under pressure got Bangladesh over the line with just two balls to spare, sealing a four-wicket victory and leveling the series at 1-1.
Conclusion
So, here we are. The series is perfectly poised at 1-1, and the stage is set for a thrilling decider on Tuesday. The return of Shamim Hossain to the squad adds another layer of intrigue to a contest already filled with drama. Captain Litton Das backed his player, challenged the establishment, and then delivered a masterful performance with the bat to keep his team in the fight. It's a reminder that sometimes the biggest battles in cricket happen off the field, making the action on it even more compelling.
