Bangladesh's Sakib included in squad for Zimbabwe Test

Bangladesh’s 22-year-old pace sensation Tanzim Hasan Sakib has been handed his maiden Test call-up as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a 15-member squad for the first Test against Zimbabwe, set to begin in Sylhet on April 20.

Sakib, who replaces injured veteran pacer Taskin Ahmed, has impressed selectors with his performances in white-ball cricket, having already featured in 28 limited-overs internationals for the national side.

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With Taskin’s return timeline still unclear following a left Achilles tendon injury, Sakib's inclusion adds fresh firepower to Bangladesh’s pace unit.

Bangladesh squad for the first Test:

• Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain praised Sakib’s rise: “He has pace, he has the ability to take wickets — that opened the door for him. We’ve picked what we believe is the best squad available.”

The squad will be captained by Najmul Hossain Shanto, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz serving as vice-captain.

Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das is unavailable due to commitments with the Pakistan Super League.