Mushfiqur Rahim ruled out of remaining two AFG vs BAN 2024 ODIs

Bangladesh have suffered a major blow ahead of the must-win second ODI against Afghanistan on Saturday, November 9, in Sharjah as Mushfiqur Rahim has suffered a finger injury. The Tigers' team physio revealed that the veteran cricketer sustained the injury during the 92-run loss in the opening game.

The former captain was part of the collapse that the Tigers suffered amid a heavy loss in the series opener on Wednesday (November 6). The right-hander scored only a single, becoming one of off-spinner Allah Ghazanfar's six victims as Bangladesh collapsed from 132/3 to 143 all out.

Team Physio Delowar Hossain said the following in a statement released by the Bangladesh Cricket Board:

"Towards the end of Afghanistan's batting innings, Mushfiqur injured the tip of his left index finger while keeping wickets. An X-ray after the match has confirmed a fracture on his left Index near the DIP joint. He is under conservative management and is not available for the second and third ODIs. Further updates on his condition and expected recovery period will be provided in due course."

Bangladesh delivered a promising performance with the ball, reducing the Afghans to 71/5 at one stage. However, the 104-run stand between Hashmatullah Shahidi and Mohammad Nabi was integral in carrying them to a competitive 235. Ghazanfar was the chief destroyer, ending up with figures of 6.3-1-26-6.

Mushfiqur Rahim doubtful for Bangladesh's subsequent West Indies tour

The finger injury has also put him in doubt for the all-format tour of the West Indies that includes two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is, beginning on November 22. Having retired from the shortest format in 2022, the 37-year-old remains doubtful for the ODI and Test series.

Rahim's experience will be integral for the tourists, especially in Tests, given how well he performed in Pakistan that includes a sterling 191 in the first game. However, the veteran failed to replicate the same during the India tour.