Tigers eye historic clean sweep as Mahedi Hasan joins squad for final ODI against Australia

Off-spinner Mahedi Hasan returns to the fold as Bangladesh looks to secure a rare 3-0 series whitewash over the world champions in Mirpur.

The atmosphere at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur is electric, and for once, the script has flipped. Bangladesh, having already secured a historic maiden bilateral ODI series victory against Australia, now stands on the precipice of a rare 3-0 clean sweep. With the series already in the bag, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has opted to bolster the squad for the final encounter on Sunday, calling up veteran off-spinner Mahedi Hasan.

Mahedi, 31, makes his return to the ODI setup after a prolonged absence. His last appearance in the 50-over format came during the ICC Cricket World Cup in India back in November 2023. His inclusion provides the team management with additional tactical depth as they look to stifle an Australian side desperate to avoid the indignity of a whitewash.

The fitness watch on Miraz

While the squad rotation grabs headlines, the team’s immediate concern remains the health of skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The captain sustained a head injury during the second ODI, casting a shadow over his participation in the series finale. According to BCB officials, Miraz is currently in good health, but he remains under close medical observation. A final call on whether he will lead the side on Sunday will only be made on match day, following a mandatory final assessment.

The potential absence of their leader won't necessarily dampen the Tigers' spirits, given the momentum they have carried throughout this series. The squad, which features a mix of seasoned campaigners like Litton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim alongside rising talents, has played with a clinical edge that has left the visitors scrambling for answers.

Why it matters

This series represents a significant shift in the cricketing power dynamic between the two nations. For Bangladesh, defeating a world champion side with such authority is a statement of intent, suggesting that their depth in white-ball cricket is maturing beyond just home-ground advantage. For Australia, the result serves as a stark reminder of the challenges of touring the subcontinent, where spin-heavy conditions and disciplined bowling can derail even the most formidable batting lineups. The decision to bring in Mahedi Hasan suggests the selectors aren't taking their foot off the gas; they are prioritizing a complete, ruthless finish to the campaign.

The stakes for Sunday go beyond mere points. A clean sweep would be a defining moment for this current iteration of the Bangladesh team, confirming that the victory in the first two matches was no fluke. As the world watches, the Tigers are not just playing for a series win; they are playing to cement their reputation as a formidable force in global cricket.