New Zealand vs Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan ruled out of the ODI series

After the conclusion of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), the Bangladesh players would now be focusing on their upcoming tour of New Zealand. Their journey starts with a three ODIs, starting Wednesday, February 13 at the McLean Park in Napier. The limited-overs series will be followed by a three-match Test series, which is scheduled to be played from Thursday, February 28.

In the meantime, the Tigers have been dealt with a body blow as their premier all-rounder in Shakib Al Hasan has been ruled out of the ODI series owing to an injury that he sustained on his left ring finger. He was hit by Thisara Perera during the BPL’s final yesterday where he was representing Dhaka Dynamites in their match against Comilla Victorians at the Sher-E-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.

More misery for Shakib

Dr Debashis Chowdhury, the senior physician of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) updated about the developments on the Jessore-born cricketer. “An x-ray was done after the match and the results have confirmed a fracture on the left ring finger. The affected area will now have to be immobilised for around three weeks,” Chowdhury was quoted as saying in Cricbuzz.

However, this isn’t the same finger, which he got operated last year in September. After operating out a pus in his finger, he made his comeback in the Test series against the Windies and subsequently, played the ODI series as well. The 31-year-old experienced campaigner would now be desperate to attain fitness before the red-ball fixtures against Kane Williamson’s Black Caps.

Shakib has been in excellent form in recent times. In the BPL, he captained the Dynamites to the final. Moreover, he was stupendous with both bat and ball. In 15 games for his franchise, Shakib racked up 301 runs at an average of 21.50 with a top score of 61 not out. He also finished amongst the top wicket-takers in the tournament, having notched 23 wickets at an economy of 7.25.

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