Litton Das ruled out of Zimbabwe ODI series

HARARE: Bangladesh have suffered a major setback after wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das was ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing ODI series against Zimbabwe due to a hamstring injury.

Litton had initially been ruled out of only the opening ODI on 6 July but has failed to recover in time and will now miss the entire three-match series. He will return to Dhaka to continue his rehabilitation.

The 30-year-old's absence is a significant blow for Bangladesh, who were stunned by Zimbabwe in the series opener and must now win the second ODI on Thursday to keep the contest alive.

Top-order batter Parvez Hossain Emon has been called up as Litton's replacement for the remaining two matches.

"Litton had already missed the first ODI and is still not match fit," Bangladesh team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan said in a statement.

"He underwent a fitness test today and the outcome was not satisfactory. With back-to-back ODIs coming up, we don't think he will make sufficient progress to play any part in the series."

Bangladesh face Zimbabwe in the second ODI in Harare on Thursday, needing victory to level the series after slipping to a 25-run defeat in the opening match at Harare Sports Club.

After being put into bat, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 141 in 36.4 overs despite a superb spell from Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana, who claimed 6-21 from his 10 overs.

Rana received support from fellow pacer Taskin Ahmed, who returned figures of 2-32, while captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with one wicket.

For Zimbabwe, Newman Nyamhuri top-scored with a composed 33 from 51 deliveries, including five fours. He also shared a crucial 63-run ninth-wicket partnership with skipper Richard Ngarava, who contributed 27 from 41 balls.

Earlier, Innocent Kaia (26), Ben Curran (18) and Brian Bennett (17) were the only other Zimbabwe batters to reach double figures.

In reply, Bangladesh were dismissed for 116 in 33.1 overs after a disappointing batting display.

Wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan fought a lone battle with a spirited 31 off 44 balls, striking three fours and a six, while Towhid Hridoy made 25 and Miraz added 10.

Zimbabwe's bowling attack was led by captain Ngarava and Brad Evans, who claimed three wickets apiece to hand the hosts a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.