AFG vs BAN 2024: Mushfiqur Rahim likely to miss second ODI with finger injury

Bangladesh were comprehensively defeated by Afghanistan in the first ODI at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah on November 6. They failed to achieve the 236-run target provided by Afghanistan and were bundled out for just 143 runs inside 35 overs. Afghan spinner, Allah Ghazanfar struck regular blows by claiming career best figures of 6/26. 

As both teams will collide in the second ODI at the same venue on November 9, Bangladesh have dealt a huge blow ahead of the second assignment. Their veteran batter, Mushfiqur Rahim will likely miss the subsequent game or the series as he has fractured his finger. The development was confirmed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board's Chief Selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain and chief physician Dr Debashish Chowdhury.

Also Read: Bangladesh appoint Mohammad Salahuddin as new assistant coach

"Yes, he suffered from an injury, and it seems a bit serious. We will only learn for how long he will have to sit out after doing tests. But as things look, it seems like he won't be able to feature in this series anymore. It is being suspected that there is a hairline fracture in his finger. It can only be confirmed after tests. We are yet to get the details [of the nature of his injury]," Ashraf Hossain was saying as quoted by The Daily Star, Bangladesh.

Allah Ghazanfar is a special talent: Hashmatullah Shahidi

Mushfiqur came out to bat at number seven as the team lost Mahmudullah in the form of their fifth wicket. They were reeling on 135/5 at 31.4 overs. Allah Ghazanfar, who was looking lethal, bowled a carrom ball that drifted to off after pitching. The 37-year-old tried to flick the ball by leaning forward and did not get the bat contact only to get stumped in a jiffy by Ikram Alikhil, he scored just one run.

Also Read: BCB removes 11 Directors after they miss consecutive meetings

“He (Allah Ghazanfar) is a special talent and has a good future for Afghanistan. He bowled well in the first spell, but he bowled that no-ball and I asked him why did he bowl a no-ball. I am very happy with the options we have on the bench,” said Afghanistan captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi after the game.