Mushfiq likely to sit out New Zealand ODIs

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim is unlikely to be available for the rest of the one-day series against New Zealand. Mushfiq picked up a strain in his left hamstring during the first of three ODIs against the hosts at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Monday. It is understood that stumper-batsman Nurul Hasan, who is currently in New Zealand with the 22-member Bangladesh squad, is likely to replace Mushfiq for the remaining two matches. Mushfiq suffered a strain when he attempted a tight single in the 38th over only to end up diving awkwardly. The diminutive batsman will be kept under observation for 48 hours following which he will be sent for a scan. If not in the ODI series, Mushfiq is likely to be seen in action in the three-match Twenty20 international series, beginning next Tuesday, which will allow Mushfiq around a week’s rest. Meanwhile, Bangladesh are set to fly off to Nelson on Tuesday morning for the second and third ODIs, scheduled to be held this Thursday and Saturday respectively at Saxton Oval.