Shakib-al-Hasan ruled out for six weeks after sustaining finger injury during second ODI of IRE-BAN series

As much as the results of the second ODI played between Ireland and Bangladesh on May 12 went in the visitors' favour, the Tamim Iqbal-led side has also been hit with a major blow as star all-rounder Shakib al Hasan has been ruled out for six weeks following an injury. The 36-year-old picked up a finger injury while fielding during the second ODI of the series, played at County Cricket Ground, Chelmsford.

Notably, Shakib had attempted a catch to dismiss George Dockrell off Mehidy Hasan but injured his finger in the process as he also dropped the catch to extend Dockrell's innings. Nevertheless, Shakib came out to bat in the second innings and hit five boundaries to score 26 runs off 27 deliveries. He was also involved in a 61-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Najmul Hossain Shanto.

However, details about Shakib's injury were later revealed by team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan who revealed that Shakib had sustained a fracture on his index finger.

"Shakib hurt the tip of his right index finger while attempting a catch yesterday in the second ODI," revealed Khan, as reported by ESPN Cricinfo.

"An X-ray today confirmed a fracture on the base of the index finger. Such injuries usually take around six weeks to heal. Unfortunately, this means he is not available for the last match against Ireland," he further added.

Given his injury is expected to take around six weeks to heal, Shakib might also have to miss the one-off Test which is scheduled to be played against Afghanistan in June, as part of Afghanistan's action-filled tour of Bangladesh. 

Najmul Hossain Shanto's maiden ton powers Bangladesh to seal the second ODI in their favour 

Bangladesh won the second ODI of the series against Ireland by three wickets, courtesy of a magnificent ton by Najmul Hossain Shanto, his first in ODI cricket. 

A ton also came from the other faction as Harry Tector scored a scintillating 140 off 113 deliveries to guide Ireland to a powerful total of 319/6 in the rain-curtailed encounter. Tector hit seven fours and as many as ten sixes to bring up his impressive century. George Dockrell too remained unbeaten on 74. For Bangladesh, Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud picked two wickets each.

In response, Shanto scored 117 runs off 93 balls to help the visitors seal the match in their favour. Shanto's innings included twelve fours and three sixes. Towhid Hridoy ably supported him with 68 runs, aided by five fours and three sixes. Shanto and Hridoy added 131 runs for the fifth wicket in 102 balls. For Ireland, Curtis Campher and George Dockrell picked two wickets each.