Tamim Iqbal will be sidelined for at least six weeks

Image courtesy of: Cricket West Indies

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal will miss the remainder of the Asia Cup after fracturing his left wrist in the opening match against Sri Lanka in Dubai.

Tamim sustained the injury after being struck on the left wrist by Sri Lanka pace bowler Suranga Lakmal in the second over of the match.

He was forced to retire hurt on two off three balls, and was taken to hospital, where scans revealed a crack on the outside of his index finger.

While Tamim defied the pain and returned to the crease to bat one-handed when Bangladesh had lost nine wickets, he will now be out of action for at least six weeks.

“We took him to hospital only because it was a serious injury, and not just mere bruising,” Bangladesh chief selector Minajul Abedin told ESPNcricinfo. “He was in some pain obviously and it wouldn’t have been prudent to continue batting.”

Tamim is set to return to Bangladesh on Sunday, while Nazmul Hossain Shanto is expected to take his place in the side.

Nazmul is recovering from a finger injury, but since he was named 12th man for the game against Sri Lanka, it is likely that he will be fit to play if he is selected for Sri Lanka’s next game, which will be against Afghanistan on September 20.