TL;DR
- Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is ruled out of the third ODI against Afghanistan due to a groin injury.
- Shanto’s injury occurred during the second ODI, where he scored a crucial 76 runs to help Bangladesh level the series.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz is expected to captain in Shanto’s absence, with Zakir Hasan likely to replace him in the playing XI.
- Shanto’s injury adds to Bangladesh’s woes, as Mushfiqur Rahim was also ruled out earlier in the series due to a finger injury.
Bangladesh cricket team captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has been ruled out of the crucial third and final One-Day International (ODI) against Afghanistan, scheduled for today, November 11, 2024, in Sharjah. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed that Shanto sustained a groin injury during the second ODI, which has rendered him unfit to participate in the series decider.
BCB chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu confirmed the news, stating, “Shanto won’t play in the third ODI due to injury.” The injury occurred while Shanto was fielding during Bangladesh’s second ODI victory on Saturday. Despite his injury, Shanto played a pivotal role in that match, scoring 76 runs to help Bangladesh secure a 68-run win and level the three-match series 1-1.
Shanto’s absence is a significant blow for Bangladesh as they aim to clinch the series against Afghanistan. His injury adds to an already growing list of concerns for the team. Earlier in the series, veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim was ruled out after sustaining a finger injury during the first ODI on November 7. Mushfiqur’s absence has left Bangladesh without one of their most experienced players for the remainder of the series.
In Shanto’s absence, Mehidy Hasan Miraz is expected to take over the captaincy for today’s match. Zakir Hasan is likely to be brought into the playing XI as a replacement for Shanto. Mehidy had previously stepped in as captain during portions of the second ODI when Shanto was forced to leave the field due to his injury.
The injury not only sidelines Shanto from today’s match but also raises concerns about his availability for future fixtures. According to reports, he is unlikely to recover in time for Bangladesh’s upcoming Test series against the West Indies, which begins on November 22. The BCB medical team will assess whether Shanto will travel with the squad to the Caribbean or return home for further rehabilitation.
For now, Bangladesh will have to rely on their remaining players as they face Afghanistan in this all-important final ODI in Sharjah.
Source: The Daily Star
