Bangladesh middle-order batter Towhid Hridoy is facing a race against time to be fit for the second T20I against Afghanistan in Sharjah, after being sidelined from the series opener due to viral fever.
Team management confirmed that a decision on Hridoy’s participation will only be taken after the squad reaches the ground on Friday evening.
“His availability is still uncertain. He is on antibiotics and remains unwell, though he is better than he was two days ago or even yesterday,” a Bangladesh team official told Cricbuzz.
“We will make the final call after reaching the ground. He is under the observation of our physio, in consultation with Debashis (Chowdhury, BCB’s Chief Medical Officer),” the official added.
Dr Debashis Chowdhury echoed the caution, stressing that even after fever subsides, players can suffer lingering weakness.
“Hridoy is definitely doing better, but weakness can persist even when the fever is gone. If that’s the case, he may not be available for the second game,” he said.
In the first T20I on 2 October, Afghanistan posted 151 for 7, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz scoring 40 and Mohammad Nabi 38. For Bangladesh, Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Rishad Hossain picked up two wickets each.
Bangladesh’s reply was built on a 109-run opening stand between Parvez Hossain Emon (54) and Tanzid Hasan Tamim (51). A sudden middle-order collapse threatened to derail the chase, but Nurul Hasan Sohan (23) and Rishad Hossain (14) ensured victory with eight balls and four wickets to spare.
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan’s four wickets were not enough to prevent Bangladesh from taking a 1–0 lead in the three-match series. The Tigers will look to seal the series with another win in Sharjah Friday.
