DHAKA: The hamstring injury that had forced Mushfiqur Rahim to leave field during batting in the first one day international against host New Zeland have ruled him out for the rest two matches of the series.

The 28-year-old will play no part against the Black Caps at Nelson’s Saxton Oval on Thursday and Saturday, and his involvement in the three-game Twenty20 series is also in doubt, repots stuff.co.nz.

Mushfiqur, ranked the 18th best batsman in the world in the 50-over format, injured his hamstring while running between the wickets in their 77-run defeat in Christchurch on Boxing Day.

He retired hurt on 42 not out and is expected to be replaced by 23-year-old debutant Nurul Hasan.

Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha said Mushfiqur’s injury is a big blow for a team that is yet to taste victory in New Zealand.

“He’s been one of the best batters as well as the wicketkeeper for a long time, across all three formats, so it’s a blow but that’s part and parcel of the game,” he said.

With just one warm-up game in the lead up to the ODI Series opener, Hathurusingha said his side were still getting used to the foreign conditions.

“We’ve played a lot of cricket at home so it’s a bit of a shock to the system to get used to.”

Bangladesh currently hold the highest score at Saxton Oval, reaching 322/4 against Scotland during the 2015 Cricket World Cup. 

Hathurusingha said that statistic will give his team belief as they look to end an eight-game winless run against the Black Caps in New Zealand.

“History says we have played well here. It’s a good thing and it’s not a long way back, with most of the players involved in that game, so it’s a good memory for them,” he said.

“That kind of thing helps. Even in the last game, getting 270, although we lost a couple of early wickets, has given us confidence going in to the next game.”

BDST: 1011 HRS, DEC 28, 2016
SR/SMS