Bangladesh have been dealt a major blow as their star batter Najmul Hossain Shanto has been ruled out of Asia Cup 2023 due to a muscle injury. He has looked in sublime touch during this tournament with a superb 89 runs against Sri Lanka where Bangladesh could only muster 164 runs at Palleke International Stadium, Kandy.
Najmul Hasan Shanto was bowled by Theekshana in the first match for 89. He followed this with a brilliant 104 against Afghanistan at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on 3rd September 2023. The left-handed Shanto came at the crease at number 4 after the fall of Hridoy’s wicket. He scored 104 off 105 deliveries with 9 fours and 2 sixes putting up a superb partnership of 215 runs for the 3rd wicket. Shanto was run out trying to take a single.
“The player had complained of hamstring pain during batting and could not field. We had an MRI scan done confirming a muscle tear,” National Team Physio Bayjedul Islam Khan said. “As a precaution, Shanto will not take any further part in the tournament and will be returning home to start rehab and prepare for the World Cup.”
Bangladesh has been given a major boost as Liton Das will join the squad ahead of the first Super 4 match against Pakistan to be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on 6th September 2023.
Bangladesh’s performance in the Asia Cup 2023
Bangladesh qualified for the Super 4 stage after winning the 2nd match against Afghanistan by 89 runs at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on 3rd September 2023. Their tournament did not begin well with a 5-wicket loss against Sri Lanka at Palleke International Stadium, Kandy on 31st August.
Najmul Hasan Shanto has performed brilliantly in the Asia Cup 2023. He is the leading runs scorer in the tournament with 193 runs from 2 matches. It is a massive blow for the Bangladesh team as Shanto played a key role in putting a big total against Afghanistan.
Bangladesh will start the Super 4 stage against Pakistan at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on 6th September. There has been no replacement named in the squad. After the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, they will start the 2023 WC campaign against Afghanistan on 7th October at Dharmshala. They are yet to announce their squad.
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