Sikandar Raza Returns To Full Fitness Ahead Of ODI Series vs Bangladesh

Sikandar Raza, who missed the one-off Test versus Bangladesh last week, is ready to return to the national side after nearly four months for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh.

The senior all-rounder was forced away from cricket in April for an indefinite period after suffering an infection on the bone marrow of his right arm, which was suspected to be cancerous at one stage. He underwent surgery in April to remove the tumour and was been cleared by the doctors of any serious illness.

Sikandar Raza played against Afghanistan in March through lot of pain, he would later reveal.

He missed the home matches against Pakistan and the Test match against Bangladesh but made his return on the cricket field in the practice match between Zimbabwe XI Select and Bangladesh on Wednesday. He scored 24 runs in the match.

Sikandar Raza’s return will provide a major boost to Zimbabwe who suffered a heavy 220-run loss in the Test match.

The ODI series, starting Friday in Harare, is part of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League which is serving as the direct route for qualification for the 2023 edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup to be hosted by India.

Mustafizur Rahman likley to miss the first ODI

Bangladesh suffer an injury scare as left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman is reported to have sustained a Grade 1 tear in his right ankle and is expected to miss the first ODI. He managed to bowl just 5 deliveries in the warm-up game, before leaving the field due to discomfort in his ankle.

Senior ‘keeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim is also going to miss the remainder of the tour; he has opted out of the white-ball series for personal reasons. According to a report in Cricbuzz, Mushfiqur’s parents tested positive for Coronavirus and hence the player returned back home.

The ODI series will be followed by a 3-match T20I series. After the Zimbabwe tour, Bangladesh are scheduled to host Australia for limited-overs matches.

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