Bangladesh fast bowling prospect Nahid Rana is set to miss the third and final T20I against Zimbabwe on July 19 after sustaining a side strain. The injury occurred during the second T20I, where the 23-year-old was forced to leave the field after delivering only 2.3 overs, during which he claimed 1-15. This setback comes shortly after his standout performance in the series opener, where he recorded career-best figures of 4-26.
A member of the national selection panel confirmed the news on Saturday, July 18, noting that the medical team expects a recovery period of two to three weeks. Officials are currently awaiting scan results to determine the full severity of the injury. The selectors expressed concern regarding his potential availability for the upcoming Test tour of Australia, as they view him as a vital component of the current pace attack.
The timeline for his recovery has placed his participation in the opening Test in Darwin, scheduled for August 13, in serious doubt. A meeting held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Saturday between Test skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and the national selectors highlighted the urgency of the situation, as Rana’s status was a primary topic of discussion. Following the first match in Darwin, the Bangladesh team is slated to play the second Test in Mackay, beginning on August 22. The selection panel remains hopeful but cautious, emphasizing that they are waiting for medical confirmation before making further decisions regarding his status for the Australia series.
