Bangladesh’s star batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto has been forced to cut short his Asia Cup 2023 campaign due to a hamstring injury and will return home soon.
The left-hander felt pain in his left hamstring while batting against Afghanistan in Lahore on Sunday. He underwent an MRI on Monday, which revealed a muscle tear.
The team physio, Bayjedul Islam Khan, confirmed Shanto’s hamstring issue and said he’ll not play any more matches in the tournament as he will jet back home to start rehab and prepare for the World Cup.
Shanto has been in sensational form across formats, scoring the most runs for Bangladesh in international cricket this year. His absence will be felt by his teammates and Bangladesh cricket fans as they watch Asia Cup 2023 in Canada.
Shanto’s average in the last 12 months is 42.86, which surpassed his career average of 29.7. He is also the top run-scorer in the ongoing Asia Cup after smashing 89 and 104 against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, respectively.
Shanto’s absence will be a big loss for the Tigers because he would have been a match for the fast bowling trio of Pakistan, who will be important as you watch India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 in Canada.
In Bangladesh’s last match against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Adelaide, Shanto hit an amazing fifty against the fast-bowling opponents.
Shortly after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) made his injury news public, a heartbroken Shanto took to his official Facebook page to wish his teammates all the best for the rest of the tournament.
The pivotal batsman shone a ray of hope, promising to bounce back in time for the upcoming World Cup as he thanked everyone who has supported him.
Undoubtedly, Litton Das, who has already arrived in Lahore to join the team, will have some shoes to fill as he will likely take Shanto’s place in the starting XI.
Jane Davies
