Bangladesh received a significant blow ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup as their premier pace bowler Shoriful Islam received six stitches on his left hand after sustaining an injury during their warm-up game against India in New York on Saturday.
He is expected to require at least one week to recover and is doubtful for the opening game against Sri Lanka, scheduled in Dallas on June 7.
Shoriful, who was the most successful bowler for Bangladesh against India in New York, conceding 26 runs in 3.5 overs for one wicket, could not complete his allotted four overs.
He sustained the injury on his left palm when Hardik Pandya got under a yorker and hit it straight back at the bowler.
Shoriful was immediately taken off the field as his palm appeared swollen from the impact, and it was later determined that he needed six stitches between his palm and index finger.
If Shoriful fails to recover in time for the entire tournament, it would be a huge blow for the team as he is one of Bangladesh’s leading bowlers, alongside Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Tanzim Shakib.
Bangladesh opted to carry two traveling reserves, including pacer Hasan Mahmud, as the team management wanted a backup for the injured Taskin, who is expected to be available ahead of the opening game against Sri Lanka.
In case Shoriful fails to return during the tournament, Hasan might be included in the 15-member squad.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has yet to make an official announcement regarding Shoriful’s injury.
Bangladesh failed to capitalize on their only warm-up match against India, losing by 60 runs at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Saturday.
Leave a Reply