Mahmudullah Suffers Calf Injury Ahead Of India Clash

Days ahead of their do-or-die clash against India, Bangladesh have suffered a big injury blow with their middle-order batsman Mahmudullah Riyad suffering a Grade 1 tear on his right calf muscle. The right-hander suffered the injury during the 62-run win over Afghanistan on Monday. Mahmudullah couldn’t take the field in the second innings of the match. Before that he had scored 27 and batted through a crucial 56-run fifth-wicket stand with Mushfiqur.

He, however, was clearly struggling with his fitness from very early in his innings. Just after the sixth ball he faced, he needed the physio’s attention after pulling up while taking a single in the 34th over. He limped for the rest of the innings, but it looked like he was risking further injury to his calf. Mahmudullah is also suffering with a problem in his shoulder that has not let him bowl in the ongoing tournament.

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Bangladesh’s technical director Khaled Mahmud Shujon has given a status on the injury, saying that the batsman had gone for a scan after the match and it revealed a Grade 1 tear.

“The scan results showed a Grade-1 tear on Riyad’s right calf,” Mahmud told The Daily Star. “At the moment, that is all I can say as I have not spoken to the physio [Thihan Chandramohan] yet. I can tell you more about the recovery period in the morning after speaking to the physio.”

Typically, a Grade 1 tear takes between seven to 14 days to heal. Mahmudullah came into the match with strapping on his right leg. However, it is still not confirmed whether he aggravated an old injury or suffered a new one. Bangladesh’s next clash is against India on July 2. With still a week left, the Tigers would be hoping that he recovers in time for the game.

With 7 points from as many games, Bangladesh’s chances of progressing ahead if hanging by a fine thread. A loss against India will end their journey at the group stage.