Taskin’s NZ series all but over

Bangladesh paceman Taskin Ahmed's New Zealand tour is all but over following the ankle injury he suffered yesterday during Sylhet Sixers' last group match against Chittagong Vikings.

The tall right-arm pacer was included in both the ODI and Test squads for the upcoming tour in New Zealand and having suffered lengthy spells out on the sidelines due to injury, he had made a return to the national team through his BPL performances. But this injury might set him back quite a bit.

He had hobbled out of the ground yesterday after twisting his ankle while attempting a catch. Bangladesh chief selector Minhajul Abedin said that he was doubtful to be fit before the series.

Chief physician Desbashish Chowdhury also spoke on the matter. "The scans were done today and we will get the report tomorrow but the idea we have is that his recovery will take some time," he informed.

Taskin was in a good vein of form recently, becoming the highest wicket-taker in the BPL with 22 wickets even as Sylhet were unable to make the playoffs. Pacers Shafiul Islam and Ebadat Hossain were likely candidates to be included in the New Zealand tour squad if Taskin is unable to make it. Bangladesh begin their series against New Zealand with the first ODI on Feb 13.