Najmul Hasan Shanto bats during practice session in Mirpur Monday Dhaka Tribune/Md Manik
Shanto received his first chance in national colors during an away Test in New Zealand in 2017, but he has since only played two Tests, three ODIs and two T20Is
Left-handed opener Najmul Hasan Shanto is one of the players who will be looking to reclaim his place in the national team, after being given a fresh opportunity to do so in the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan.
Shanto received his first chance in national colors during an away Test in New Zealand in 2017, but he has since only played two Tests, three ODIs and two T20Is.
The 21-year-old southpaw has been highly rated by selectors, but he is yet to live to expectations. He last played for Bangladesh in a T20I against Afghanistan at home last year, and scored just five runs.
Shanto received his call-up to the national side for the upcoming Pakistan series on the back of an unbeaten 115 and a 78-run innings for Khulna Tigers towards the end of the just concluded Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League T20.
The batsman had a poor start to the tournament and scored only 115 runs in the first eight matches, before finding his rhythm at the pivotal final stages.
Najmul Hasan Shanto during practice with teammates in Mirpur Dhaka Tribune/Md Manik
Shanto said his performance in the BBPL has helped his confidence, and he is looking to bank on that during the Pakistan tour.
“I think I have gained confidence that I can score runs in the shortest format as well after the BPL. Initially, I lacked confidence as I was unable to score runs in the early stages of the tournament. But I kept faith and that helped me score runs in the latter stage of the BPL,” he told reporters at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur Monday.
He added that he has learnt from past mistakes and is determined to grab the opportunity that is again being presented to him. However, there is stiff competition with a total five openers in the squad, and he may have to adapt to batting at different positions.
The Bangladesh team will travel Pakistan on January 22 and will play the first match of the three-match T20I series in Lahore on January 24.
