The return to fitness of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has presented Bangladesh's team management with a difficult selection dilemma ahead of their must-win second ODI against New Zealand.

Mustafizur missed the series opener due to knee discomfort, paving the way for left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam to make his first ODI appearance in 16 months. Islam capitalized on the last-minute opportunity, emerging as the team's most effective bowler.

However, with Mustafizur now reportedly fit to play, Shoriful’s spot in the starting lineup remains uncertain despite his standout performance.

Addressing the intense competition within the pace bowling unit, Islam welcomed the situation as a positive indicator for the national team's depth.

"There is no frustration here," Shoriful said. "Those who are playing are doing well, and those outside the squad are also good cricketers. It is a healthy competition."

Shoriful added that he is prepared to step aside if the management opts to rotate the squad, noting that fielding the best possible team to secure ranking points for direct World Cup qualification remains the ultimate priority.

While the bowling unit's recent successes have frequently been undermined by top-order batting failures, Shoriful refused to criticize his teammates for the team's struggles.

"If we lose, the batters feel as bad as we do," Shoriful said, adding that the bowlers could always strive to make things easier for the batting lineup. "Hopefully, in the next match, the batters will do very well, we will support them, and we will win the match collectively."