Bangladesh's captain, Shakib Al Hasan, will be absent from his team's final World Cup match due to a finger fracture sustained during their victory over Sri Lanka, as confirmed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board on Tuesday.
Shakib played a crucial role in the win, scoring 82 runs in Delhi and contributing to Bangladesh's successful chase of 280. He also took two wickets, earning the player-of-the-match title.
According to a statement from Bangladesh physio Bayjedul Islam Khan, Shakib endured a blow to his left index finger early in his innings but continued to bat with the aid of supportive taping and pain relievers.
An emergency X-ray in Delhi after the match revealed a fracture on the left PIP joint, and his recovery is estimated to take three to four weeks. Notably, Shakib was also involved in the appeal that led to the controversial time-out dismissal of Sri Lankan batter Angelo Mathews, who subsequently referred to him as a "cheat" on social media.
Shakib defended his decision, asserting that it was in accordance with the rules of the game. Unfortunately, Bangladesh, who face Australia in their final group match on Saturday, will not advance to the semi-finals, having secured only two wins in eight matches.