Injured Rashid Khan doubtful for tri-series final against Bangladesh

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has seen an excellent start to his captaincy. Under his leadership, Afghanistan hammered Bangladesh in a Test recently and then made the finals of a tri-nation T20 series in Bangladesh. However, the sensational leg-spinner hurt his left hamstring during the final league game against the hosts and is in doubt for the final against the same team on Tuesday. The third team in the tournament is Zimbabwe who could win only one game which was against Afghanistan.

Rashid, who took 11 wickets in the only Test against Bangladesh and claimed six scalps in the four league games of the tri-series, was seen in great pain after suffering the injury in Chattogram on Saturday and was attended by the team physio. He was then seen hobbling off the field.

Rashid to be monitored, says Afghanistan physio

Team manager Nazim Jar Abdur Rahim Zai said Rashid’s injury will be monitored over the next couple of days. “I cannot say that he will be available [for the final. He is doing well and let’s see what’s happening. We will have two or three days for recovery. I hope it’s not that serious because he is our captain and main player and we will monitor him tomorrow and the day after [before taking any decision],” the International Cricket Council quoted Nazim as saying.

Rashid is currently the No.1 bowler in T20Is as per the ICC rankings and Afghanistan will be banking on his services to win the final. Afghanistan had a horrible campaign at the ICC World Cup with not a single win that saw Rashid emerging as the side’s new captain, replacing Gulbadin Naib. They will be looking to win this tri-series to boost their cricket and after two consecutive defeats in the tri-series, they will be eager to win the all-important final.

Rashid has taken 81 wickets in 42 T20Is at an average of 12.03 while he remains the fastest to take 100 wickets in the ODIs. Bangladesh ended as the table toppers with three wins out of four games while Afghanistan won two and lost as many. Zimbabwe finished third with two points.