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Why Are Taskin Ahmed And Najmul Shanto Not Playing 3rd ODI vs Afghanistan?

Debashis Sarangi

Taskin is not playing 3rd ODI vs AFG [Source: @ICC/X]Taskin is not playing 3rd ODI vs AFG [Source: @ICC/X]

In a significant development, Bangladesh have left out Najmul Hossain Shanto and Taskin Ahmed from their playing XI for the third ODI against Afghanistan at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. In Shanto's absence, Mehidy Hasan Miraz came out for the toss, which the Tigers won, electing to bat first. 

Why Are Taskin And Shanto Not Playing 3rd ODI vs Afghanistan?

After securing an emphatic series-levelling victory in the second ODI, Bangladesh made two changes to their playing XI from the last game, excluding senior pros- Najmul Hossain Shanto and Taskin Ahmed. For the unversed, Shanto has sustained a groin injury and that's why he was supposed to be ruled out of this match. Promising top-order batter Zakir Hasan has replaced him in Bangladesh's playing XI. 

Meanwhile, Mehidy Hasan Miraz didn't reveal the exact reason behind Taskin's exclusion. Therefore, it's assumed that the prominent speedster has been rested to manage his workload. Young fast bowler Nahid Rana replaces him in the Tigers' playing XI. 

Nevertheless, these two players' absence might hamper Bangladesh's chances in the third ODI against Afghanistan. They exhibited prolific form in the first two ODIs. While Shanto slammed 123 runs, including a valiant 76-run knock in the second game, Taskin scalped five wickets, including a sensational four-wicket haul, in two outings. 

Bangladesh's Playing XI For 3rd ODI vs Afghanistan

Zakir Hasan, Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah Riyad, Jaker Ali (wk), Nahid Rana, Nasum Ahmed, Mohammad Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman