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"Given The Skills...": Litton Das Reveals Reason Behind Shak Mahedi Move Over Miraz

Soumyajit Dutta

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das and Shak Mahedi [Source: @bdcrictime/X.com]Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das and Shak Mahedi [Source: @bdcrictime/X.com]

In a kind of a surprise announcement, Bangladesh captain Litton Das revealed his Colombo pitch strategy was decided long before the decisive third T20I, leading to a masterstroke selection that clinched an eight-wicket win and a historic first-ever series victory across formats in Sri Lanka. 

Litton replaced all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz with off-spinner Shak Mahedi, banking on the Colombo surface favouring Mahedi's skills. Litton justified the move as it paid off in the third T20I.

Litton Das Bats For Pitch Over Player

Notably, the move proved inspired as Mahedi Hasan delivered a devastating spell of 4 for 11, dismantling Sri Lanka and securing Bangladesh's comeback series win after losing the Test, ODI, and opening T20I. 

Litton emphasised his commitment to selecting XIs based solely on pitch conditions. Litton detailed his decisive selection logic.

"We felt that given the skills of Mahedi, he would be a perfect fit on the Colombo wicket... I had planned it before seeing the schedule - that whoever plays in Colombo, the first name will be Mahedi. It also doesn't mean that Mehidy is not a good bowler or batter," Das told reporters in the post-match press conference.

Clarifying his role as a team leader, Litton emphasised that the decisions he takes depend on the surface where the team is playing and not because of any bias.

"As a team leader, I will think deeply about the surface before choosing a team. A bowling-friendly surface will always make me pick Mahedi. If it is batting-friendly, Miraz will come back into the team," Das added.

Bangladesh Ready For Pakistan Series At Home

Looking ahead to the Pakistan series at home, Litton remained pragmatic. "I don't know how the Mirpur wicket is going to behave... It won't be easy taking on Pakistan in Mirpur... I know that we can win matches against them if we play smart cricket," Das concluded.

Notably, the Pakistan tour is set to begin from July 20, where the Men in Green will fight the Bengal Tigers for a three-match T20 series in Bangladesh, where all three matches will be played in Mirpur.