DHAKA: Bangladesh have been left sweating over the fitness of star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan ahead of their tri-series ODI final against West Indies in Ireland, an official said on Thursday.

Shakib was in visible pain on Wednesday during the 36th over of the Bangladesh innings against and briefly continued his batting before retiring hurt with a half-century off 51 balls.

Bangladesh later won the match against the hosts by six wickets.

“Shakib sustained a left-sided back muscle spasm injury while batting during the match against Ireland,” Bangladesh team physiotherapist Thihan Chandramohan said in a statement.

“He is undergoing assessment and treatment and we will make a decision regarding his availability for tomorrow’s tri-series final on the morning of the match,” he added.

Bangladesh won all three of their matches in the tri-series comfortably to set up a final against West Indies with one game against Ireland rained off.

A win on Friday would give Bangladesh their first trophy in a multi-team tournament.

The tri-series in Ireland was organised as part of the teams’ build-up for the World Cup, starting on May 30 in Britain.

Bangladesh will begin their campaign in the World Cup against South Africa at the Oval on June 2.

Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2019