Selectors stick to Naim despite finding their man in Munim

Habibul Bashar stated that the selectors were desperately searching for an opener like Munim Shahriar who can utilise the first six overs for Bangladesh in the T20Is while also explaining the reason behind the backing of an out-of-form Naim Sheikh.

"Munim Shahriar first caught our eyes in the Dhaka Premier League. His fearless batting impressed us," the former national captain turned selector told the media today.

"We picked him because we desperately need a batsman like him who can use the first six overs. Whether he will be successful in international cricket, it's a different issue," said Bashar as he went on to expand on the reason behind the 23-year-old's inclusion in the 14-member squad, for the upcoming two-match T20I series against Afghanistan, announced earlier today.

"No doubt, his BPL performance helped us to take the decision," Bashar stated.

Munim showed glimpses of his talent during the recently-concluded Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) by providing Fortune Barishal several flying starts. With one fifty in six games, the right-hander scored 178 runs while boasting a staggering strike-rate of 152.13.

The selectors also recalled another uncapped batter Yasir Ali Rabbi, who was impressive in the BPL for Khulna Tigers, scoring 219 runs in 11 matches with a impressive strike rate of 139.49 in the middle order, often under pressure.

Top-order batters Najmul Hossain Shanto, Saif Hassan, all-rounder Shamim Hossain Patwary, wicketkeeper-batters Nurul Hasan Sohan and Akbar Ali and leg-spinner Aminul Islam Biplob are the six players who were dropped from the previous squad that featured against Pakistan towards the end of last year.

"Of course, performance was the reason behind their exclusion. We trimmed the team from 17 to 14 and it's not possible to include two wicketkeepers in a 14-member team," explained Bashar, adding that they initially had wanted to give Shamim Patwary more time despite his subpar strike-rate.

Bashar also defended the questionable inclusion of Naim Sheikh after the left-hander scored 50 runs in seven innings in the BPL, with a dismal strike-rate of 65.78, having batted with no fixed position. 

"Yes, the questions might arise about Naim's inclusion but you must need to back some players. This guy scored the highest runs for Bangladesh in T20I last year. Yes, there is a question about his strike-rate but it was desired from the team management."

Naim Sheikh would be looking to make the most out of the opportunity he gets from now on. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

It remains to be seen if Munim and Naim can provide healthy competition to each other during the two matches of the T20I series against Afghanistan, scheduled to be played in Mirpur on March 3 and 5, respectively, following the completion of the three-match ODI series in Chattogram.