Rana’s side strain raises doubts over his Australia Test appearance

Dhaka, July 18 – Bangladesh’s frontline bowler Nahid Rana will miss the final T20 International against Zimbabwe after picking up a side muscle strain during the second game of the series.

Rana, aged 23, delivered a career‑highlight performance in the opening T20, taking four wickets for 26 runs. In the next match, he bowled only 2.3 overs before the injury forced him off the field, finishing with figures of 15 runs and one wicket.

The series has been tightly contested. Zimbabwe won the only Test by 85 runs and secured a 2‑1 victory in the three‑match ODI series. The T20 series saw Bangladesh lose the first game by 32 runs, then win the second by 34 runs, leaving the series dead‑locked.

Medical experts project a two‑ to three‑week recovery period for Rana’s side strain, putting his availability for the upcoming Australian tour in serious question. Bangladesh will face Australia in two Tests – the first in Darwin from 13 August and the second in Melbourne starting 22 August.

A selector confirmed the injury details to Cricbuzz and said the board is awaiting a scan report to assess the exact severity. "He will definitely miss the third T20 against Zimbabwe, and we anticipate at least a fortnight‑plus recovery for his side strain," the official explained. "If he is not fit for the first Test, it will be a big blow to our bowling resources."

Bangladesh hopes the scan will reveal a moderate injury that allows Rana to recuperate before the Australian challenge.

— IANS