Follow UsThe Bangladesh cricket team were finally gaining some momentum at the very fag end of the ongoing ICC 2023 World Cup, but alas, their campaign has suffered another blow as their captain Shakib Al Hasan is ruled out of the tournament due to a fractured injured finger.
The Bangladesh team had only one game remaining in this World Cup, which they will play against Australia on November 11 in Pune. It was a crucial game from the perspective of the Champions Trophy as the top 8 teams of this World Cup (including hosts Pakistan) will qualify for the tournament scheduled for 2025.
According to the Bangladesh team physio, Bayjedul Islam Khan, “Shakib was struck on his left index finger early in his innings but continued to bat with supportive taping and painkillers. He underwent an emergency X-ray in Delhi after the game, which confirmed the fracture on the left PIP joint. Recovery is estimated at three to four weeks. He will leave for Bangladesh today to begin his rehab.”
Despite being injured during the first innings, Shakib batted in the second innings with taping and painkillers and scored 82 off just 65 balls.
However, this was a lukewarm World Cup for the Bangladeshi all-rounder. He only scored 186 runs in 7 innings at an average of 26.5. The impact of this is visible in Bangladesh’s performance this World Cup, as they have lost 6 out of their 8 games.
Anamul Haque, the wicketkeeper-batter who has played 45 ODI matches for Bangladesh, has been called in as his replacement in the squad. Vice-captain Najmul Hossain Shanto will captain the side against Australia in Shakib's absence.