Shakib unlikely in final NZ T20I

Shakib Al Hasan is unlikely to play the fifth and final Twenty20 International of their series against New Zealand due to a minor finger injury.

Physician at Bangladesh Cricket Board, Debashish Chowdhury, told The Business Post that the team management did not inform them anything about the injury, so it may just be a niggle.

“As the team management did not inform us anything about it, I presume it is not something serious. If it had been anything serious, then he would have required a scan or MRI or some other testing. But as they did not inform officially, I think it is just a niggle,” he said.

As Bangladesh have already clinched the series by 3-1, the team management might give Shakib some rest and try someone else ahead of the T20 World Cup, considering that the last match of the series is the last international match for the Tigers before the showcase event.

Moreover, Shakib will take part in the remainder of the Indian Premier League which will restart from September 19 and the allrounder’s team Kolkata Knight Riders will play their first match in UAE on September 20. The star all-rounder might want a bit of rest ahead of the busy schedule.

Bangladesh might also bring in a couple of more changes in the squad for the final game of the series. Mohammad Saifuddin, who hurt his finger while bowling in the last match, might be rested.

Shoriful Islam, who is in the T20 World Cup team for Bangladesh might get a game as he is yet to play a match in this series.