Setback for Bangladesh as pacer ruled out of ODI series decider against Sri Lanka
More injury news has emerged from Sri Lanka's tour of Bangladesh, and this time it's the hosts who have suffered a setback.
Young pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib will not participate in the final and deciding ODI against Sri Lanka after experiencing pain and discomfort in his right hamstring.
Bangladesh’s team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan confirmed that the 21-year-old is “not fit to play” the decisive ODI, scheduled for Monday, 18 March.
“Tanzim is experiencing pain and discomfort of his right hamstring. He did not feel any better at training today and is not fit to play tomorrow,” Khan stated.
Sakib took three big wickets in the ODI series opener – claiming Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, and Sadeera Samarawickrama – playing an important role in Bangladesh’s six-wicket win.
Also read: Big blow for Sri Lanka as key pacer ruled out of final Bangladesh ODI
Right-arm pacer Hasan Mahmud, who last featured in an ODI for Bangladesh in December 2023 against New Zealand, has been called up as Sakib’s replacement.
The three-match ODI series is tied at 1-1, setting the stage for an exciting decider. Following the conclusion of the ODI leg of the tour, both teams will play two Tests in Sylhet and Chattogram, which will form a part of the current ICC World Test Championship cycle.