Mithun included in Bangladesh T20I squad

Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Mithun has been included in the Bangladesh T20I squad for the first of two T20Is against Sri Lanka, scheduled for Thursday at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. Mithun has been named in the squad as back-up for opening batsman Tamim Iqbal and wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim, who both have minor injury concern. Tamim has a niggle on his left biceps while Mushfiq's right wrist is a concern ahead of the T20I series opener. With Mithun's inclusion, the squad has now turned into a 16-member party. Earlier, the board included uncapped left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam Apu in place of all-rounder Shakib al Hasan who is recovering from finger injury.

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"He has a bit of a niggle on his biceps for which we have not been able to set the playing XI for [Thursday]. There is a bit of a concern with Mushfiq too. He has a niggle in his wrist. We still have time in hand before making a final decision. Hopefully both of them will be fine for the game," said makeshift Bangladesh T20I captain Mahmudullah Wednesday. Mithun's inclusion means the Bangladesh squad now has three wicketkeeper-batsmen in the shape of Mushfiq and the uncapped Zakir Hasan. Given Mithun's performance in the past two seasons of the Bangladesh Premier League T20, his inclusion was anticipated. Mithun was retained by Rangpur Riders for BPL 2017 season and the right-handed batsman scored 329 runs in 13 innings to guide the side to their maiden BPL trophy. The right-hander scored his runs at a strike rate of 117.5 and average of 29.9. Mithun last played for Bangladesh in the format during the 2016 World T20.