Bangladesh hope for Mahmudullah boost ahead of crucial New Zealand clash

Bangladesh Hope for Mahmudullah Boost Ahead of Crucial New Zealand Clash

With their tournament hopes in a spot of bother, Bangladesh are hopeful of senior batter Mahmudullah's availability ahead of the do-or-die match against New Zealand. The Asian side need to win this game, scheduled at Rawalpindi on February 24, to have a realistic chance of making the semifinal.

Mahmudullah, who scored four fifties in his last four ODIs, suffered a calf muscle pull while training ahead of the India clash, causing a dent in Bangladesh's squad composition for the match. His absence was felt as the team rapidly slipped to 35/5 in the opening hour of the contest before Towhid Hridoy's ton and Jaker Ali's fifty rescued the side through their record-breaking partnership.

Bangladesh did well to stretch the game deep with the ball on a slow pitch despite having an under-par total on the board. However, given the short format of the Champions Trophy, they are now virtually in must-win territory. New Zealand are riding high on confidence after handing Pakistan a 60-run defeat in the tournament opener in Karachi on February 19.

The Blacks Caps are also fresh off their win in the tri-series in Pakistan where they won all the games, including two wins over the hosts. In such a scenario, Bangladesh know that the task at hand is enormous and they'll do well to have a player of Mahmudullah's experience for the clash.

"We are hopeful regarding his (Mahmudullah) availability (for remaining part of the tournament). He is recovering well but a final decision in this regard can only be taken after the last practice session ahead of our game against New Zealand in Rawalpindi," team manager Rabeed Imam confirmed.

Towhid Hridoy, who cramped while making his maiden ODI century, is fine and there is no issue with him as far as his fitness is concerned. Bangladesh have arrived in Pakistan and are slated to have their first practice session today. Should Mahmudullah be available for selection, the team management could be in a pickle regarding whom to leave out.