Tanzim Hasan. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have both been hit by injury setbacks ahead of the third and final ODI in Chattogram on Monday, March 18. For the hosts, fast bowler Tanzim Hasan Sakib has been ruled out of the final match with a right hamstring injury sustained during training at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Sunday.
The 21-year-old cricketer first felt the hamstring issue during the opening ODI last week, having to leave the field during his ninth over. Though he did return to complete the innings, the injury has now worsened enough to sideline him for the series decider.
Bangladesh have not named a replacement for Sakib, likely turning to Mustafizur Rahman to join Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam in the pace attack.
Sakib made a brilliant start to the series, taking three quick wickets in the first ODI to worry Sri Lanka’s innings after they got off to a good start.
Also read: Dilshan Madushanka sustains hamstring injury, to miss initial games of IPL 2024 for Mumbai Indians
The third ODI is to be played on March 18
The visitors, meanwhile, have their own injury concerns after fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka was ruled out earlier with a hamstring problem. Madushanka will miss the remainder of the tour as well as the start of the IPL season.
The setbacks for both sides add further tension to what is already a high-stakes series decider. Sri Lanka won the preceding T20I series 2-1 after triumphing convincingly in the final match by 28 runs.
With the series tied and both teams battling injuries, the decisive third ODI promises to be a gripping contest. Bangladesh have dropped out-of-form opener Litton Das for wicketkeeper Jaker Ali. But with Sakib sidelined and Madushanka already out for Sri Lanka, much will depend on which team’s bowlers can step up in the absence of two of the series’ standouts so far.
Also read: Bangladesh leave out Litton Das for ODI series decider against Sri Lanka