Bangladesh suffer major blow ahead of 2nd ODI against Zimbabwe

Bangladesh have been dealt a significant setback with Litton Das ruled out of the remainder of the ODI series against Zimbabwe. The wicketkeeper‑batter has failed to recover from a hamstring injury in time and will play no further part in the three‑match contest.

Already trailing 1‑0 after a narrow 25‑run defeat in the opening game, the absence of Litton is a crushing blow for the Bangla Tigers. His replacement, Parvez Hossain Emon, a left‑handed wicketkeeper‑batter, has been drafted into the squad for the final two ODIs.

Bangladesh physio Bayjedul Islam Khan explained the decision that forced them into seeking a replacement for Litton:

“Litton had already missed the first ODI and is still not match fit. He underwent a fitness test today and the outcome was not satisfactory. With back‑to‑back ODIs coming up, we don’t think he will make sufficient progress to play any part in the series.”

Bangladesh face stern test to keep series alive

The first ODI at Harare Sports Club was a missed opportunity. Bangladesh bowled Zimbabwe out for just 141 in 36.4 overs, setting up what looked like a straightforward chase. But the visitors faltered badly on a lively pitch, collapsing to 116 all out in 33.1 overs.

There were bright spots. Nahid Rana delivered a spell for the ages, claiming 6/21 in 10 overs with two maidens. His figures are now the best by a Bangladesh player in ODIs, surpassing Mashrafe Mortaza’s 6/26 against Kenya in 2006 and Rubel Hossain’s 6/26 against New Zealand in 2013.

Yet Zimbabwe’s pace quartet, Newman Nyamhuri, Richard Ngarava, Brad Evans, and Blessing Muzarabani, ripped through Bangladesh’s batting order, leaving the visitors deflated.

Bangladesh's updated squad for 2nd and 3rd ODIs vs Zimbabwe

Parvez Hossain Emon, Tamim Iqbal, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Afif Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Rishad Hossain