Sharjah: Veteran Bangladesh wicket-keeper batter Mushfiqur Rahim has been ruled out of the two remaining matches against Afghanistan after sustaining a finger injury in Wednesday’s first encounter. This announcement comes as a significant blow to the Bangladesh cricket team, which is already facing a challenging series.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, team physio Delowar Hossain confirmed that Mushfiqur injured the tip of his left index finger towards the end of Afghanistan’s batting innings. The injury occurred while he was keeping wickets in the 49th over during the first ODI held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. An X-ray after the match revealed a fracture near the DIP joint of his left index finger, rendering him unavailable for the second and third ODIs. The physio stated that Mushfiqur is under conservative management and further updates on his condition and recovery period will be provided in due course.
The incident adds to Bangladesh’s woes as they conceded a 92-run defeat in the first mat
ch after a dramatic collapse, losing their last seven wickets for just 11 runs. Mushfiqur Rahim, who usually bats at No. 5 or 6, came to bat at No. 7, scoring just 1 off 3 balls before being outsmarted by Afghanistan’s teenage offspinner Mohammad Ghazanfar. Ghazanfar delivered a stellar performance, taking 6 wickets for 26 runs and dismantling the Bangladesh batting lineup. Mushfiqur’s unusual batting position was due to his injury, as he had taken primary treatment to manage the pain in order to participate in the match. This marked the first time since the 2015 World Cup that he batted at No. 7.
The remaining matches of the series are scheduled for November 9 and 11, and Bangladesh will have to strategize without their experienced wicket-keeper in the lineup.