Bangladesh lost the final T20I of the three-match series against Pakistan by 74 runs in Mirpur. It was a big defeat on a pitch that was good for batting.

Captain Litton Das said the team did not do well with both bat and ball. He said, “This was a 180-190 kind of surface. If we had played smart cricket, chasing 180 was possible. But sadly, we failed as a batting unit today.”

One big talking point was Mehidy Hasan Miraz batting at No. 4, ahead of regular middle-order batters like Jaker Ali Anik and Shamim Hossain. Litton explained the decision after the match, “Miraz can bat at No. 4. He has done it before for Bangladesh. We thought it would be better if Jaker and Shamim came in later. That’s why we sent Miraz early.”

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Litton Talks About Team Growth and Areas to Improve

Reflecting on his journey as captain and the team's progress, Litton Das said, “In the early matches, we didn’t have Taskin or Mustafizur. Everyone knows what Mustafizur can do. Having a full-strength team against Sri Lanka and now Pakistan made a big difference. I think the biggest area we still need to work on is death bowling, especially from bowlers other than Mustafizur.”

Better Pitch, Unexpected Result

The team expected another low-scoring match like the first two, where 140–150 was enough. But this time the pitch was much better. Litton said, “At first, we didn’t think it would be a 180-run wicket. Full credit to Sahibzada Farhan for giving Pakistan a strong start. The pitch was actually very good for batting today.”

Talking about team selection, Litton added, “When a squad is picked, it’s always the best available. Our job is to choose the best XI. Today, we wanted to give everyone a chance. In this format, fitness is very important, and this series helped us check that. If we get another series soon, it will help us even more.”

Visitors Bangladesh leveled the T20I series by 1-1 with the third and last to go after bundling out Sri Lanka for only 94 runs to register the second largest T20I win for the Tigers. 

Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 2025, 2nd T20I: A lot of histories 

Leading the home T20I series by 1-0, Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka chose to field first after winning the toss in the second T20I at Dambulla. While Bangladesh scored 177/7 in 20 overs, Sri Lanka were bundled out for only 94 runs, as Bangladesh won by 84 runs. While it was the second-largest T20I win (by runs) for Bangladesh, it was also Sri Lanka's second-largest T20I defeat (by runs) at home after recording their lowest T20I total (completed) at home. 

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Litton Das and Shamim Hossain performed strongly after opening flops

The visitors had a poor start as they lost both the openers in the first two overs (Parvez Hossain Emon 0 and Tanzid Hasan 5), while they scored 39/2 at the end of the powerplay, courtesy of a steady partnership between captain Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy. They ultimately built up a 69-run partnership for the third wicket, where Hridoy scored 31 off 25 balls with two fours and one six.

Although Mehidy Hasan Miraz (1) only stayed for two balls, Das had another strong support from Shamim Hossain, as they set up a 77-run partnership for the fifth wicket. While the skipper scored 76 off 50 balls with one four and five sixes, Hossain was run out in the final over after scoring 48 off 27 balls with five fours and two sixes. 

Among the Sri Lankan bowlers, Binura Fernando took three wickets (3/31), while Nuwan Thushara (1/30) and Maheesh Theekshana (1/30) got one wicket each. 

Sri Lanka never coped with poor start

In reply, Sri Lanka were struggling at 37/4 at the end of the powerplay, and the innings was completed in 15.2 overs, as Sri Lanka were all out for 94. Only the opener Pathum Nissanka (32) and Dasun Shanaka (20) reached double-digit scores in that innings.  

All five Bangladesh bowlers managed to pick up at least one wicket. While Rishad Hossain bagged three wickets (3/18), Shoriful Islam (2/12) and Mohammad Saifuddin (2/21) got two wickets each, and Mustafizur Rahman (1/14) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (1/26) had one wicket each. 

Bangladesh tried hard in the ODI series but couldn't win against Sri Lanka. They lost the first ODI because of a big batting collapse. However, they made a strong comeback in the second match. But in the deciding game, they failed again and lost by 99 runs, giving the series to Sri Lanka.

The Tigers have also been struggling in T20Is. They lost their last two series — 2-1 to the UAE and 3-0 to Pakistan — which shows that the team lacks players who can perform well regularly. There are more concerns as even captain Litton Das is going through a poor run of form. Notably, the first match is set to be played on Thursday at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.

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Litton Das Ready for Fresh Start in T20Is

Speaking to the media ahead of the first T20I, Bangladesh captain Litton Das shared hope for a turnaround after recent struggles. He said the team is focusing on the new format and will give their best against a strong Sri Lankan side.

"This is a new format and a new series. We’ll try to approach it with a fresh mindset. It won’t be easy—Sri Lanka are strong at home—but we’ll give 100% and see what happens," Litton said.

Bangladesh enter this series after losing two T20I series in a row—2-1 to the UAE and 3-0 to Pakistan, both under Litton’s captaincy. Facing Sri Lanka at home is another tough test.

Litton praised Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, especially their spinners, calling them experienced and tricky. "They have mystery bowlers and good experience here. In T20s, the better team on the day wins," he added.

Focus on World Cup Prep and Player Returns

With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 to be held in India and Sri Lanka, Litton sees this series as part of important preparation. "Playing in Sri Lanka will help us ahead of the World Cup. It’s always a challenge to play here, but it will be good experience," he said.

He also welcomed the return of left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain. "Nasum has been with the T20 setup for a long time and can help with bat and ball. Rishad is also very important for us," Litton said.

Though Bangladesh have lost all three T20Is they’ve played at Pallekele, Litton is hopeful. He mentioned that the pitch looked balanced in the last ODI and they will assess conditions before the match.

Personally, Litton has had a tough time in ODIs, scoring only 13 runs in eight innings this year. He was dropped after the first match of the recent ODI series. "I didn’t perform well in ODIs, so I was on the bench. During that time, I focused on T20 practice, and now I want to use that preparation," he said.

The three T20Is will be played on 10, 13, and 16 July at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Bangladesh have announced their ODI squad ahead of the three-match ODI series that is expected to commence on July 2 at the R. Premadasa Stadium. The out-of-form wicket-keeper batter Litton Das has been recalled for this series and will be a part of the white-ball setup for Bangladesh. Unlike the case with the Test series, Bangladesh have appointed a new white-ball captain. The spin-bowling all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who has not featured in the Test series, will take over the captaincy duties from Najmul Hossain Shanto and lead the Tigers in the ODI series.

Additionally, the team had to make five forced changes following the departure of veteran cricketers Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim from the ODI format. Mohammad Naim, Shamim Hossain, and Tanvir Islam are the other three cricketers apart from Litton Das who have been recalled ahead of the series. Naim's last appearance in the ODI format was in 2023. Besides, Shamim's last appearance in this format also came way back in 2023. However, Islam has not featured for Bangladesh in this format and gets a maiden call-up on the back of just six T20Is. 

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Litton gets another opportunity despite his poor run in ODIs

While speaking to ESPNcricinfo, BCB Chief Selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain confirmed that Litton will be a part of Bangladesh's white-ball setup for the upcoming ODI series. Although the Chief Selector is fully aware of the batter's stark drop in form, he remains hopeful of a turnaround and believes that he has what it takes to regain his lost form.  

"Litton Das was in a bad patch but time is the best healer. He is the T20 captain, so we can consider him till the next T20 World Cup. If someone has to return to form, it is best to spend a long time in the middle. We feel that Litton can take his form from ODIs to T20Is."

In the last eight ODIs, Litton has only managed 35 runs between the tours of New Zealand in December 2023 and the West Indies in December 2024. Due to his poor run, Litton missed out on a spot for the Champions Trophy 2025.

Bangladesh squad

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud

Bangladesh cricket starts afresh as wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das has been appointed the T20I captain. The Bangladesh Cricket Board communicated this on 4 May 2025, and Litton will lead the side through the 2026 T20 World Cup. After 2024 being a roller coaster season, this appointment represents a change in gear for Bangladesh cricket, with the objective of reinvigorating the T20 setup and developing a more robust squad that will be able to consistently get results in the future.

Litton Das has been appointed after former T20I captain Najmul Hossain Shanto made it clear a few weeks ago that he no longer wanted to captain in a T20I format due to work overload. Litton has aggressive bat skills and superb glovework, so he will be a great asset as captain in T20s. In addition, Litton has captain experience of leading Bangladesh in four T20Is prior to this assignment. Off-spinning all-rounder Mahedi Hasan has been appointed as vice-captain for the upcoming series against UAE and Pakistan. This appointment will be temporary, and the board will be grooming captains in the long-vectored future.

Bangladesh needed to make this decision at a critical stage, as it had been obvious for many years now that they have struggled in the shortest format of the game, especially since being such a successful ODI team over the last 10 years. There will be seven T20Is versus UAE and Pakistan in May/June 2025; Das will have an immediate chance to stamp his authority. His first task will be leading a 16-member squad featuring the return of key players like Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, and Mustafizur Rahman, all aiming to turn around Bangladesh’s T20 fortunes.

A Focus on Experience for the Future

Bangladesh Cricket Operations Chair Najmul Abedin elaborated, “Litton Das will lead the side until the T20 World Cup next year. For Litton, experience has been an important factor. We don’t have many experienced players in the current setup.” So the board does plan to incorporate Das' maturity while trying to deal with a new squad, following the loss of several established white-ball players.

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Das' tenure starts with two T20Is against UAE in Sharjah on May 17 and 19, and the five-match tour of Pakistan, which begins May 25. With Mahedi Hasan as the deputy for these tours, Das will have to incorporate experience with the up-and-coming cricketers to develop a squad for the 2026 men's T20 World Cup. There seems to be excitement amongst the fanbase - could this be the dawn of something special for Bangladesh cricket?

The Bangladesh cricket board selected Litton Das as their T20I captain for their upcoming T20I series against UAE and Pakistan. The decision came after Najmul Hossain Shanto stepped down from his captaincy role earlier this year. Offspinner Mahedi Hasan has been named as the deputy of Das. Bangladesh will travel to play seven T20I matches in May against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan. 

Litton has served the Bangladesh national cricket team as an interim captain before. Under his captaincy, the Tiger brigade won in the West Indies by 3-0 against the host nation. Overall, Litton Das has gained experience in leadership through one Test, seven ODIs, and four T20Is. 

The experienced batter was set to play the tenth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) but was unfortunately ruled out due to a hamstring injury.

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The 30-year-old batter has so far played 95 T20 Internationals with a 22.44 average, scored a total of 2020, including an 83-run innings. He played his last twenty-twenty match for Bangladesh in December last year against West Indies and scored 17 in 3 matches. His last T20I fifty came against Afghanistan on 24 June 2024. 

UAE vs BAN T20I series schedule:

1st match: UAE vs BAN, Sat, 17 May '25, Sharjah. 

2nd match: UAE vs BAN, Mon, 19 May '25, Sharjah.

PAK vs BAN T20I series schedule:

1st match: PAK vs BAN, Sun, 25 May '25, Faisalabad.

2nd match: PAK vs BAN, Tue, 27 May '25, Faisalabad.

3rd match: PAK vs BAN, Fri, 30 May '25, Lahore. 

4th match: PAK vs BAN, Sun, 01 Jun '25, Lahore.

5th match: PAK vs BAN, Tue, 03 Jun '25, Lahore. 

Bangladesh squad for T20Is in UAE and Pakistan

Litton Das (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan (vice-captain), Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana, and Shoriful Islam.

Three Bangladeshi cricketers Liton Das, Nahid Rana, and Rishad Hossain have submitted their applications to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to feature in the coming Pakistan Super League (PSL 2025), which will be held from April 11 to May 18.

• Litton Das has been selected by Karachi Kings as a wicketkeeper-batter.
• Pacer Nahid Rana has been selected by Peshawar Zalmi.
• Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain will play for Lahore Qalandars.

Their involvement in the PSL, though, might be complicated by Bangladesh's Test series against Zimbabwe, scheduled from April 20 to May 2. The BCB is yet to decide if it will give the players clearance to play in the league, given that the Test series is crucial for the national team.

BCB's in-charge cricket operations, Shahriar Nafees, said that the board is positively inclined towards giving NOCs in general, but they will have to take the players' availability and national engagement into account. As Liton and Nahid are members of Bangladesh's Test team, they are a matter of concern from the availability angle during this time. Rishad, though, is not a member of the Test side and is thus more likely to get the approval.

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The BCB will make the official announcement soon after factoring in the availability of the players for international duty. The BCB will also take care while addressing Nahid Rana's workload, not wishing for him to work himself to exhaustion in the PSL while balancing his national duties.

The addition of the trio to the PSL is pending the final decision of the Bangladesh Cricket Board. The fans will be keen to learn whether the players can showcase their talent in the Pakistan Super League this season.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced its central contract list for 2025, including 22 players. Most of them were part of Bangladesh’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai and Pakistan. Mahmudullah has told the BCB that he doesn’t want to continue with a national contract after February 2025, so he will be left out from March onward.  

Former captain Mushfiqur Rahim, who recently retired from ODIs, will be moved to Grade B from March. Wicketkeeper Parvez Hossain Emon, who wasn’t part of the Champions Trophy squad, has also been left out. Under the new contract system, Grade A+ players will earn 10 lakh taka per month, while Grade A players will receive 8 lakh. Those in Grade B and C will get 6 and 4 lakh taka, respectively, and Grade D players will receive 2 lakh.  

Bangladesh Cricket Team Central Contracts 2025

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Bangladesh struggled in the Champions Trophy, losing all three of their matches. They fought hard but couldn’t overcome India and New Zealand, while their final game against Pakistan was washed out. Up next, Bangladesh will take on Zimbabwe in a two-Test series starting on April 20.

Najmul Hossain Shanto Steps Down as Bangladesh T20I Captain

Najmul Hossain Shanto has decided to step down as the T20I captain of Bangladesh, ending his tenure in the shortest format of the game. This decision follows earlier deliberations about resigning, which were initially reconsidered due to encouragement from Faruque Ahmed, the former Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president. Despite this, Shanto has now made up his mind to relinquish the role.

However, Shanto will continue as the captain for Bangladesh's ODI and Test teams, where he remains a crucial leader.

Najmul Hossain Shanto has stepped down as Bangladesh T20I captain, but will continue to lead in Tests and ODIs 🇧🇩

Full story: https://t.co/BEzmTQf67M pic.twitter.com/3HYFV4KaSy

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 2, 2025

Official Resignation and BCB's Response

As per reports from Cricbuzz, Shanto officially informed the BCB about his intention to step down as T20I captain. The board accepted his request and has decided not to rush the selection of a new leader, given the lack of immediate T20I fixtures.

A BCB official stated, “Shanto has informed us that he doesn’t wish to lead in T20Is anymore, and we have accepted that. Since there are no T20Is scheduled soon, we have time to decide on a new captain. Assuming no injuries occur, Najmul will remain our captain for Tests and ODIs, which we have already talked about.”

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Litton Das: The Likely Successor

While no official announcement has been made, Litton Das appears to be the frontrunner to replace Shanto as the T20I captain. Litton recently led Bangladesh to a series sweep against the West Indies, further cementing his candidacy for the role.

Litton has captained Bangladesh in four T20I matches, winning three and losing just one. In comparison, Shanto’s record as captain includes 24 matches with 10 victories, 13 losses, and one no-result. This gives Shanto a win rate of 41.66%, with losses accounting for 54.16%.

Future Challenges and Upcoming Matches

As Shanto transitions from T20I leadership, his focus will shift to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where Bangladesh is slated to face India in their opening match on February 20 in Dubai. Placed in Group A alongside India, Pakistan, and New Zealand, Bangladesh faces a tough challenge ahead. Many expect Shanto to play a vital role in steering the team through this high-profile tournament.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has appointed Litton Das as the skipper for the upcoming three-match T20I series for the first time since 2021. The wicket-batter has previously captained his side in the absence of Mahmudullah on the tour of New Zealand in April 2021. The Test side was captained by Mehidy Hasan Miraz under whom Bangladesh managed to level the series by ending a 15-year-long drought. At present, he is also leading the Tigers in the ongoing ODI series which has already been decided in the favor of West Indies.

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Shamim Hossain and Ripon Mondol return to the grand scheme of things

Batting allrounder Shamim Hossain, who last featured in an international fixture in December 2023 in New Zealand gets a call-up ahead of the series. Shamim, aged 24, has participated in the format but has not yet achieved significant success. Over the course of 14 T20I innings, he has accumulated 254 runs with a strike rate of 115.98, and his highest score stands at 51, which is also his sole half-century.

Besides, the 21-year-old right-arm medium-pace bowler Ripon Mondol also makes his way into the T20I squad. The quick has played three T20Is in October 2023, all at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, where he picked up four wickets as Bangladesh finished third. Apart from Shamim and Mondal, Bangladesh drafted their start pacer Hasan Mahmud along with spinner Nasum Ahmed and top-order batter Soumya Sarkar, all of whom starred in the recently concluded GSA T20 tournament helping Rangpur Riders clinch their maiden title. 

Najmul Hossain Shanto, the regular captain for all formats, remains absent as he is currently recuperating from a hamstring injury sustained during the series against Afghanistan in November. Additionally, there has been no information regarding Shakib Al Hasan's availability or his future in international cricket.

Bangladesh squad for the T20I series against West Indies

Litton Das (capt), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Ripon Mondol