BAN vs NZ: Bangladesh without a designated captain after Litton Das and Tamim Iqbal ask for rest in third ODI

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BAN vs NZ: Bangladesh stand-in captain Litton Das and Tamim Iqbal have asked for rest in the third and final ODI against New Zealand at the Shere Bangla Stadium in Dhaka on Tuesday, September 26. Bangladesh chief selector Habibul Bashar on Sunday.

The first match of the series ended without a result due to rain, while in the second ODI New Zealand registered a 86-run win after a six-wicket haul from Ish Sodhi helped the visitors bundle out Bangladesh for 168 in 41.1 overs. Bangaldesh have rested captain Shakib Al Hasan and senior wicketkeeper-batter Mushfique Rahim for the series.

In the series-deciding third ODI, Bangladesh will be led by a new captain. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is yet to take a decision on it.

Liton missed out the first round of the Asia Cup 2023 earlier this month after missing the flight to Sri Lanka due to a viral fever. He joined the team ahead of the Super Fours round. The 28 year old informed that he was not feeling well and wanted to return fresh before the World Cup 2023 which kick starts from October 5 in India.

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal who made his comeback from a back injury in the series, scored 44 runs in the second ODI but admitted of still feeling pain in his back.

"Litton will be rested for the third and final ODI against New Zealand. Since recovering from his viral fever he joined the team in the Asia Cup so he needed some rest before returning for the World Cup. Tamim on the other hand also feeling some discomfort on his back and asked for rest after playing the second ODI. The medical team will assess his condition and decide over his condition by today," Bashar told The Daily Star.

Meanwhile Bashar also confirmed that pacers Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam will join the squad for the third and final ODI.

Tamim Iqbal still not fully fit?

Tamim Iqbal made headlines in early July for announcing a shock retirement a day after losing an ODI match against Afghanistan and then withdrawing it just 24 hours later after the interference of Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina. However, he stepped down from the ODI captaincy but missed the Asia Cup 2023 due to his recurring back injury.

The 34-year-old southpaw underwent treatment in England and took multiple injections to address a damaged disc between the L4 and L5 vertebrae. Tamim had hoped for a successful comeback but is still feeling discomfort and is unsure about his future as an international cricketer.

"It was a nice feeling to field for 50 overs and bat for 20 overs but there's still lots of discomfort in my back. I'm working with our physio on it but the reality is, there's still pain," Tamim said after the second ODI.

"To be honest, I was nervous. Saying it was just another match wouldn't be accurate, especially considering the events of the past few months. When I went to bat, I felt the nerves, but they went away after the opening over.

"Whether I was batting or fielding, I needed to spend time on the field to understand how my body was reacting. There were difficulties, and there still are. I'm contemplating my future course of action.

"When playing international cricket, I have to give my best, and I strive to do so. It's not as simple as walking onto the field and playing, especially against a reputed bowling attack. I tried to give my all," Tamim added.