Harare: Bangladesh have suffered a major setback as wicketkeeper-batsman Liton Das has been ruled out of the remainder of the ODI series against Zimbabwe due to a hamstring injury.
Lytton was initially ruled out of the opening ODI on July 6, but failed to recover in time and will now miss the entire three-match series. He will return to Dhaka to continue his rehabilitation.
The 30-year-old’s absence is a significant blow for Bangladesh, who were stunned by Zimbabwe earlier in the series and need a win in Thursday’s second ODI to keep the tournament alive.
Top-order batsman Pervez Hossain Amon has been called up to replace Lytton for the remaining two matches.
“Litton has already not played in the first ODI and is still not fit,” Bangladesh team physio Baijedul Islam Khan said in a statement.
“He underwent a fitness test today and the result was not satisfactory. With back-to-back ODIs coming up, we don’t think he will improve enough to play any part in the series.”
Needing a win to level the series after losing the opener by 25 runs at the Harare Sports Club, Bangladesh will face Zimbabwe in the second ODI in Harare on Thursday.
Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana’s 6-21 in 10 overs saw Zimbabwe skittled out for 141 in 36.4 overs.
Rana was supported by fellow pacer Taskin Ahmed, who returned figures of 2-32, while skipper Mehidi Hasan Miraz claimed a wicket.
Newman Nyamhuri top scored for Zimbabwe with 33 off 51 balls including 5 fours. He shared a 63-run ninth-wicket partnership with captain Richard Ngarawa, who contributed 27 runs off 41 balls.
Earlier, Innocent Kaiya (26), Ben Curran (18) and Brian Bennett (17) were the only Zimbabweans to reach the double figures.
In reply, Bangladesh were bowled out for 116 runs in 33.1 overs.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan fought back in solitary with a spirited 31 off 44 balls with 3 fours and a six, while Dawhid Hiridoi added 25 and Miraz 10.
Captain Ngarawa and Brad Evans led Zimbabwe’s bowling attack with three wickets each to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.