Bangladesh stand-in captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expected Soumya Sarkar to fill the shoes of Shakib Al Hasan in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand.

Shakib Al Hasan was ruled out of the series following a finger injury sustained during World Cup, paving Soumya's way to return to the side.

"Soumya's role will be very important, at least on New Zealand soil," Shanto told the reporters in New Zealand at a pre-match conference as the three- match series opening ODI will be held tomorrow (Sunday) in Dunedin.

"His bowling in this condition will be handy while his batting could give us the expected balance," he added.

"He has the experience and know how to play in this condition. As Shakib is not here, I think selectors included him keeping all those things in mind," he added.

Soumya Sarkar came back to the ODI team after a two-and-a-half years hiatus in the home series against the Black Caps in September but was left out from the World Cup squad.

Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul