Bangladesh's opener, Litton Das, who was initially sidelined due to viral fever, has made a remarkable recovery and is now all set to rejoin the squad for the remainder of the Asia Cup 2023 in Pakistan.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had called up Anamul Haque as a replacement during his absence.
“Litton is fit now, he will travel to Pakistan tonight to join the squad,” confirmed Bangladesh chief selector Minhajul Abedin.
This news comes as a relief for the Bangladeshi team, as Litton Das is a vital cog in their batting lineup. His absence, along with Tamim Iqbal, forced the Shakib Al Hasan-led side to experiment with their opening combinations in the tournament.
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In their first match, without Litton and Tamim, Bangladesh faced a five-wicket defeat. However, they bounced back impressively with a dominating victory over Afghanistan in Lahore. This emphatic win has put Bangladesh in a strong position, inching closer to securing their spot in the Super Four stage of the tournament.
Litton Das' form took a hit in 2023
Litton Das, known for his consistent performances, had an exceptional year in 2022. In ODIs, he amassed 577 runs in 13 innings, boasting an impressive average of 52.45. However, the start of 2023 was rocky for him, managing only seven runs in the first three innings, including two consecutive ducks. Nevertheless, he has recovered well and currently holds 301 runs in 10 innings at an average of 30.10.
Notably, Litton Das has contributed significantly to the team, even assuming leadership responsibilities on occasion. His return is a welcome boost for Bangladesh as they aim to leave a mark in the Asia Cup 2023 and prepare for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup.
During his absence, Bangladesh experimented with rookie opener Tanzid Tamim and then promoted Mehidy Hasan to the top of the order in the second game. Mehidy Hasan responded with a brilliant century, showcasing the team's adaptability and determination.
As Litton Das gears up to rejoin the squad, Bangladesh hopes to build on their recent success and continue their quest for glory in the Asia Cup 2023, with their sights set on even greater achievements in the future.
His recovery and return to the team provide a significant boost to Bangladesh's campaign. He adds depth and stability to the batting lineup, and Bangladesh aims to capitalize on this as they progress through the tournament.
