Mashrafe fractures his thumb

Bangladesh limited overs captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza has fractured his right thumb during the third and final T20 international against New Zealand at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui today.

The injury could keep him out of cricket for four to six weeks. Bangladesh physio Dean Conway said: "Masrafe had an X-ray done immediately after the match and the report has confirmed a fractured right metacarpal. Recovery is expected to take between four to six weeks and will be followed by a short rehab. The injured area will be put in a caste as he recovers."

Mashrafe hurt his thumb in the 18th over of the first innings of the match today while attempting to stop a strong straight drive from Corey Anderson.

He left the field after bowling the first two balls of his fourth over. Mosaddek Hossain bowled the remaining four balls to complete his spell.

Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal hurt his left thumb while fielding and also had an X-ray after the match. "The thumb is sore but the X-ray has come clear. We will review his condition after 48 hours," said Conway.

The physio also informed that opener Imrul Kayes, whose left knee hit the digital board near the boundary's edge during an attempted catch, did not require a scan today but will be assessed after 48 hours.

Mashrafe, who is not part of the Test team is scheduled to return home. His next international role is likely to begin in March when Bangladesh tour Sri Lanka.