Nazmul Hussain Shanto, Bangladesh’s top run-scorer, from Asia Cup 2023 has been ruled out of the tournament with an injury. He has topped the list of top-runscorers in the tournament with 193 runs.
Shanto was tormented with left hamstring pain during his terrific innings of 104 against Afghanistan in Lahore on 3 September. The next day, an MRI confirmed a muscle tear and Shanto was instructed to rest by the BCB medical team to hold him for the approaching ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, which is almost a month away.
Bayjedul Islam Khan, the National Team Physio said that the player had complained of hamstring pain during batting and could not field. We had an MRI scan done which confirmed a muscle tear, he added.
The Physio said that as a precaution, Shanto will not take any other part in the Asian tournament and will be returning home to begin rehab and train for the World Cup.
No substitute has been revealed yet. However, the return of Litton Das after healing from a fever will be a huge boost to the squad.
Bangladesh has enjoyed mixed victory in the Asia Cup so far. They began their tournament with a defeat against Sri Lanka but followed that up with a big 89-run victory over Afghanistan. With a pleasing NRR to boast, the team is through to the Super Four stage.
Shanto has been the most prolific run-scorer in the tournament. He was the top-scorer in the first match, a fine 89 against Sri Lanka providing his team something to bowl at. He followed that up with a brilliant century against Afghanistan, supporting Bangladesh to their third-highest total in Men’s ODIs.
