Injury concerns for Bangladesh as Mahmudullah doubtful for the game against Pakistan
Bangladesh faces injury concerns ahead of their all-important clash against Pakistan tonight. The match is crucial for the both the sides as the winner of the clash will virtually book a place in the final of the Asia Cup.
Key Members Injured
Bangladesh have already lost their star fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman due to a side strain. Now to add to their woes, key player Mahumudullah Riyad sustained an injury while training.
It is a big blow for Bangladesh as Mahmudullah has been fairly successful with both bat and ball in the ongoing tournament. He scored a quick-fire 23 off 12 deliveries and also picked up the key wicket of Chandimal to turn the tie in Bangladesh’s favour.
The Bangladesh physio Bayezidul Islam didn’t speak clearly about his injury but the news is that he is doubtful for tonight’s clash.
Mahmudullah: A Consistent Performer
Mahmudullah has been a consistent performer for Bangladesh and he was instrumental in taking Bangladesh to their first ever World Cup Quarter Final in 2015. He scored a crucial century against England in the World Cup to propel Bangladesh to world cup glory. He went on to score another hundred against New Zealand in the World Cup.
Mahmudullah is a key member of the current Bangladesh squad and if he misses out tonight then it will be a huge loss for Bangladesh as Bangladesh need batsmen like him to counter the threat of the Pakistani pace battery comprising the likes of Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Sami, Mohammad Irfan.
Mahmudullah: The Finisher
The Bangladeshi batting badly needs some big hitters at the end to post a decent total on the board. Mahmudullah provided the required big shots at the end in both the games Bangladesh won. They were sitting precariously on 115 for 7 in the game against UAE. It was Mahmudullah’s heroics in last over in which he scored 17 runs, propelled them to a respectable total of 133 for 8. He also picked up two key wickets to cap off a great all-round performance.
The Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza praised Mahmudullah for his efforts and went on to saying, “[Mahmudullah] is a very important player and always he knows his role very well.”
So it looks a little bleak for the Bangladesh camp before their virtual semi-final clash against Pakistan. They know that if they win tonight, they will qualify for the final. So a player like Mahmudullah will surely be missed.