Bangladesh national cricket team have hugely impressed in the ongoing 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. They are currently in the serious contention to qualify for the semi-finals of this tournament. However, ahead of their crucial upcoming CWC match against India, the Bangladesh camp is unsure about the availability of Mahmudullah Riyad.
After playing seven matches in this tournament, Bangladesh have earned seven points. They have already beaten South Africa, Windies and Afghanistan in this tournament. Bangladesh team have also fought well against New Zealand, England and Australia but suffered defeats in those encounters. Another match against Sri Lanka had no result due to the rain washout.
In the ongoing round-robin stage of this competition, Bangladesh have left two more matches – against India and Pakistan. Both these matches are now crucial for Bangladesh as both these games are the must-win matches for them. However, they also have to look at England’s last round-robin stage match result (against New Zealand on 3rd July). If England wins this match, then Bangladesh is likely to have no more chance to qualify for the semi-finals.
Bangladesh will face India on Tuesday (2nd July) at Birmingham. But the right-handed middle-order batsman Mahmudullah Riyad is doubtful for this crucial encounter.
During Bangladesh’s last match against Afghanistan, Mahmudullah suffered a calf injury. Just recently, he has returned to the training. But the Bangladesh camp is still unsure about his availability for the crucial upcoming match against India.
BCB chief selector doesn’t think Mahmudullah’s presence in the playing XI against India
BCB chief selector Minhajul Abedin has recently claimed that he doesn’t believe Mahmudullah’s availability in their upcoming match against India.
He told Cicfrenzy on Monday, “I don’t think he can make it.”
Mashrafe Mortaza is still hopeful
However, the Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza hasn’t made any final call yet as the physio is still hopeful.
Talking about Mahmudullah’s availability against India, Mortaza quoted, “The physio [Thihan Chandramohan] has not yet given a final call, so there is some time on that front.”
In the ongoing CWC, Mahmudullah has played an essential role in the middle-order batting. The right-handed batsman has scored 190 runs in six matches of this tournament with an average of 47.50. He has hit one half-century in this tournament, and that was against the mighty defending champions Australia (69 runs).
So, his presence during the match against India will be crucial for Bangladesh. Meanwhile, his absence will hurt Bangladesh’s confidence. But whatever, Bangladesh is ready to take on India in their upcoming must-win game.