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Bangladesh suffer huge blow ahead of Asia Cup 2023 Super 4

Star batter has suffered a hamstring injury

By Web Desk

September 05, 2023

Najmul Hossain Shanto celebrates after scoring a century. — AFP

Bangladesh's highest run-scorer from Asia Cup 2023 Najmul Hossain Shanto has been ruled out of the tournament with an injury.

Shanto suffered a left hamstring injury during his knock of 104 against Afghanistan in Lahore on Sunday, September 3.

An MRI the next day confirmed a muscle tear and Shanto was advised rest by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) medical team bearing in mind the upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 next month.

"The player had complained of hamstring pain during batting and could not field. We had an MRI scan done confirming a muscle tear," National Team Physio Bayjedul Islam Khan said.

"As a precaution, Shanto will not take any further part in the tournament and will be returning home to start rehab and prepare for the World Cup."

Meanwhile, Shanto said: “My journey in Asia Cup 2023 ends here. I’m suffering from a muscle tear and will not further play in the tournament. All the best wishes to my Bangladesh team for rest of the tournament.”

“Returning home soon and will prepare for the World Cup InShaaAllah,” he added.

Meanwhile, Litton Das, who was out due to a viral fever, will replace Shanto for the Super 4 round.

Bangladesh have already booked their spot in the Super 4 round of the Asia Cup 2023 after their 89-run win over Afghanistan in Group B. They lost their opening match against Sri Lanka by five wickets.

Asia Cup schedule of remaining matches

Group Stages

Sept 5 - Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka in Lahore at 2:30 pm (PST)

Super 4s

Sept 6 - A1 vs B2 in Lahore at 2:30 pm (PST)

Sept 9 - B1 vs B2 in Colombo at 2:30 pm (PST)

Sept 10 - A1 vs A2 in Colombo at 2:30 pm (PST)

Sept 12 - A2 vs B1 in Colombo at 2:30 pm (PST)

Sept 14 - A1 vs B1 in Colombo at 2:30 pm (PST)

Sept 15 - A2 vs B2 in Colombo at 2:30 pm (PST)

Sept 17 - Final in Colombo at 2:30 pm (PST)

*Positions irrespective of teams' positions after first round