Why is Mustafizur Rahman Not Playing Today in ZIM vs BAN 2nd ODI?

The Bangladesh Cricket Team is on tour to Zimbabwe for a three-format series, where it started with a one-off test match, followed by ODIs and T20Is. As the ZIM vs BAN ODI series is underway, the series started with the home team winning the match comfortably. Both teams are locking horns against each other in the 2nd ODI at Harare Sports Club, Harare.

During the toss of the ZIM vs BAN 2nd ODI, Bangladesh skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz won the toss and elected to bowl first; however, while announcing the team, he announced that there is one change to their side as star left-arm bowler Mustafizur Rahman is not playing. This article will focus on the reason why Mustafizur Rahman has been benched and is not in the Playing 11.

Why is Mustafizur Rahman Not Playing Today Against Zimbabwe?

Mustafizur Rahman, one of the best bowlers in the world, is not playing today against Zimbabwe because it is likely that he has been rested for this game, and management has opted to rotate their fast bowlers in this series to keep them fresh and injury-free for the whole series. However, there has been no official reason mentioned for Mustafizur Rahman's absence or why he didn't make it to the side.

The 25-year-old left-arm pacer, Shoriful Islam, has been announced as Mustafizur Rahman replacement for this match, who will be seen opening the bowling attack with Taskin Ahmed. It will be interesting to see how Shoriful will fill the big shoes of Mustafizur and perform well in this must-win match of the ODI series.

Bangladesh Eyeing Comeback in ODI Series Against Zimbabwe

Bangladesh will be looking to bounce back in the second ODI against Zimbabwe after losing the series opener by 25 runs. Even though young fast bowler Nahid Rana delivered a brilliant spell of 6/21 and bowled Zimbabwe out for just 141, Bangladesh's batting line-up failed to chase the target and was dismissed for 116.

With the three-match series on the line, captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz has asked his top-order batters to build solid partnerships and play more responsibly. Bangladesh also has to manage without experienced batter Litton Das, who has been ruled out of the entire series after suffering a hamstring injury.