Bangladesh face a must-win second ODI on Saturday (October 11) after losing the series opener, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s side likely to lean on spin in Abu Dhabi to keep the contest alive.

Team management are leaning toward a spin-led attack on Abu Dhabi’s expectedly slow surface, where tweakers could prove decisive. 

Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain is in contention to be recalled to partner left-armer Tanvir Islam.

To accommodate the extra spinner, Bangladesh may trim the pace unit to two quicks, with Mustafizur Rahman—rested in the first match—and Tanzim Hasan Sakib the likely choices. 

Should the selectors persist with three seamers, Rishad’s place could go to Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud or the young Nahid Rana. With the fast bowlers generally in rhythm, the final XI is set to be a tactical call.

A balanced, experience-heavy lineup is therefore expected for Bangladesh’s survival bid.

Probable XI: Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Towhid Hridoy, Zakir Ali Anik, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Tanvir Islam, Rishad Hossain/Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

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