Injured Nahid Rana out of Zimbabwe T20I decider, racing against time for Australia Tests

Bangladesh pace sensation Nahid Rana will miss the T20I series decider against Zimbabwe on July 19 due to a side strain.

The injured Rana is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks, putting his participation in doubt for the Test tour of Australia next month. He sustained the injury during the second T20I against Zimbabwe.

The 23-year-old fast bowler, who recorded a career-best T20I performance in the series opener (4-26), left the field after bowling 2.3 overs in the second game, finishing with figures of 1-15.

A national selection panel member confirmed the development to Cricbuzz on Saturday, adding that they are awaiting scan results to determine the severity of his injury.

"He (Rana) is certainly missing the third T20I against Zimbabwe and we feel the side strain will take at least two to three weeks to recover," said the selector.

"We are waiting for the scan report while we keep our fingers crossed, as we still have some time before the first Test against Australia. The way he is bowling at the moment, missing him in the Australia tour would be a big blow," he added.

Nahid is running out of time to be available for the opening Test against Australia, scheduled in Darwin from August 13.

Bangladesh Test skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and the national selectors met at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Saturday to discuss preparations for the Australia series. Rana's availability Down Under was a key topic, given his recent emergence as a vital figure in Bangladesh's pace attack.

The series opener in Darwin will be followed by the second Test in Mackay, starting August 22.