T20 World Cup 2024: Shoriful Islam in doubt for Sri Lanka clash after injury on bowling hand

Bangladesh's preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 has hit a major roadblock as their left-arm quick Shoriful Islam suffered an injury during the warm-up game against India in New York. Islam split the webbing between his index and middle fingers on his bowling hand while trying to stop a drive from Hardik Pandya in the last over of Men in Blue's innings.

The warm-up fixture was meant to be a final tune-up for the Bangla Tigers ahead of their opening clash against Sri Lanka on June 7. Batting first, the Rohit Sharma-led side posted a total of 182/5 on the back of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant's 53 and Pandya's quick 23-ball 40. Eventually, India won the game comfortably by 60 runs. 

Shoriful was one of the few bright spots for Bangladesh, conceding just 26 runs in his 3.5 overs while also picking up the wicket of Sanju Samson.

As Islam was completing the final over of the Indian innings, Pandya smashed a drive straight back at the bowler. In his attempt to stop the ball with his bowling hand, the 22-year-old ended up splitting the webbing, immediately being in pain. The physio rushed onto the field, and the left-arm pacer was rushed off for medical attention as Tanzim Hasan Sakib completed the remaining over.

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The hand surgeon administered six stitches: Dr. Debashis Chowdhury

Bangladesh's chief physician, Dr. Debashis Chowdhury, revealed that Shoriful needed six stitches in his injured area and his availability remains a question. 

"Shoriful suffered a split injury between the index and middle finger of his left hand while trying to stop a ball in his last over. After initial medical attention, he was taken to Nassau University Medical Centre. The hand surgeon administered six stitches. We will visit him again after two days. We will know then how much time it will take for Shoriful to return," he said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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With Taskin Ahmed also recovering from a side strain, the Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side could be without their frontline quicks for the crucial opening game against Sri Lanka. The team will be eagerly awaiting updates on Shoriful's recovery, as his presence would be vital for their World Cup campaign.