Sports Desk:

Bangladesh batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto has been ruled out of the Asia Cup due to a hamstring injury, confirmed Bangladesh Cricket Board on Tuesday.

Shanto sustained the strain during Bangladesh’s last game against Afghanistan in Lahore.

Shanto, who is currently the leading scorer of the Asia Cup with 193 runs in two matches, will return home immediately to begin his rehabilitation.

Liton Das, who flew to Lahore on Monday night following recovery from viral fever, will replace Shanto in the squad.

‘The player had complained of hamstring pain during batting and could not field. We had an MRI scan done confirming a muscle tear. As a precaution, Shanto will not take any further part in the tournament and will be returning home to start rehab and prepare for the World Cup,’ national team Physio Bayjedul Islam Khan was quoted as saying in the BCB press release.

The 25 year old right-handed batsman scored 89 runs in the first game against Sri Lanka and followed it up with a magnificent 104 run knock against Afghanistan that saw Bangladesh reach the Super Four of the tournament.

Shanto’s injury comes as a big blow to Bangladesh, who are already grappling with issues in the top-order, ahead of Wednesday’s Super 4 game against Pakistan.