Last Update on: November 6th, 2023 at 01:57 pm
Bangladesh will be without their star fast-bowler Mustafizur Rahman for the crucial game against Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Captain Shakib Al Hasan confirmed the news at the toss.
The veteran allrounder won the toss and opted to bowl first in a must-win game for his side as the Bangla Tigers look to get back to winning ways. Bangladesh began their campaign with an impressive 6-wicket loss before their campaign got completely derailed. The win in the first game was followed by six losses in a row including a loss to the Netherlands.
While they are out of the semifinals race, there is still a lot to play for Bangladesh in the World Cup. A spot in the 2025 Champions Trophy is still up for grabs. The top seven teams and hosts Pakistan from the ongoing World Cup will qualify for the event. Bangladesh are currently languishing at the ninth spot in the points table with a solitary win from 7 games and will be desperate to get back to winning ways.
Why Is Mustafizur Rahman Not Playing?
However, they will have to do it without their experienced fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. Shakib confirmed that the pacer will miss the game, saying that the pacer is ‘not fit enough’. He has been replaced by Tanzim Hasan Sakib in the playing eleven.
“We would field first, looks like a very good surface. There was a lot of dew when we practised. There are a lot of expectations but we couldn’t fill up. We have two more games and we would like to do well. We have to be technically sound and also mentally strong. We have one change – Mustafiz is not fit enough and Tanzim Sakib comes in his place,” said Shakib.
Sri Lanka (Playing XI):
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis(w/c), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka
Bangladesh (Playing XI):
Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan(c), Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam
