CF Correspondent

The national team youngsters, who break into the ODI squad for the three-match one-day series against Zimbabwe, are gearing up to make their mark in the national team ahead of the series.

Spin all-rounder Afif Hossain, opener batsman Mohammad Naim Sheikh and all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin- are featured in the 15-member squad for the 50-over format.

As uncapped Afif and Naim will be looking forward to make their first appearance in the white bal cricket while Saifuddin will return after a long break due to his injury.

Afif debuted against Sri Lanka in February 2018, since then all-rounder has played 10 T20 matches with the national team.

After been selected for the national team’s ODI squad, Afif said it is like dream come true for him as said he will be looking forward to set his mark with his performance as they has been practicing hard  for the shorter format.

“I was excited to play [in ODI]. I was playing the T20s, waiting for the call for the ODI format. That dream has come true. I will try to do something well for the team,” Afif told reporters on Wednesday ahead of the ODI series.

 “I don’t think there should be any problem [in the new format]. Because everyone is practicing, playing on regular basis. I hope I can perform,” Afif said.

The right arm off spinner, who is also flexible in batting at top order said, he will try his best if he is handed over take any responsibility for the team.

“I will try to perform my best, if I get the opportunity. Whatever the plan is, the responsibility I will get, I will try to play accordingly,” Afif said adding that he can bat with more ‘patient’ if he is batting from top order.

“That depends on the batting order. If I can bat on the top order, then I can play with patience. And if I play in the down order, I will have to play what the team requires,” he added.

Naim Sheikh, who debuted against India back in November, 2019, has played five T20 matches for the Tigers’ team.

The 20-year-old top order batsman, who has been so consistent thought out that T20 series as he was the top scorer of the three-match series with 143 runs with an average of 47. The left handed batsman scored 81 runs in the final match of that three-match ODI series.

Naim’s effort was rewarded as he also got the opportunity in to play against Pakistan in the T20 series in January-February where he scored another 43 runs innings in the first match.

Naim informed that his preparation for the white ball cricket started early as he had already been instructed to practice with the white ball while he was featured in BCB XI for the practice match ahead of the solitary Test against Zimbabwe.

“I feel good as I have got the call for the ODI team,” Naim told reporters.

“The coaches told me to practice with the white ball when Zimbabwe were playing against the BCB XI. They said I could play in that format. I already had discussions with the coaches,” Naim stated.

“I enjoy playing with the white ball. I was not having a good time with the red ball in recent times. I worked with the white ball after going home. I was instructed to follow some ways. I worked on those. All in all the preparation was good,” added Naim.