Bangladesh entered a do-or-die contest against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy on Monday, with their semi-final hopes hanging in the balance.
A loss will push them to be eliminated from the tournament, while a win will keep their campaign alive and leave the group wide open alongside Pakistan and New Zealand.
Pakistan at risk of early exit from Champions Trophy after losing to India
One of the key talking points ahead of the match is the return of experienced all-rounder Mahmudullah Riyad, who missed the opening game against India.
The veteran batter underwent a full training session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, focusing on both his batting and fitness.
While there is no confirmation of him playing the New Zealand match, but a full training session with the bat is indicating his chance.
Mahmudullah’s inclusion is expected to prompt a reshuffle in the batting order. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto could move up to open alongside Tanzid Hasan, pushing Mehidy Hasan Miraz to number three.
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This adjustment would create a middle-order spot for Mahmudullah.
In this case, Soumya Sarkar may have to sit outside of the playing XI in this match. In the last match of the group stage, Bangladesh will take on the hosts Pakistan.