Bangladesh wicketkeeper batter Liton Das has been declared fit for the remainder of the Asia Cup 2023. Das was ruled out of Bangladesh’s group-stage matches due to fever and was subsequently replaced by Anamul Haque. The opener has been added to the squad effective immediately for the Super Four stage of the event and will fly to Pakistan and join his side.
“Liton is fit now, he will travel to Pakistan tonight to join the squad,” Minhajul Abedin told AFP.
Bangladesh lost its opening match against Sri Lanka by five wickets on Thursday but bounced back strongly on Sunday to beat Afghanistan by 89 runs.
The big win against Afghanistan took Bangladesh’s run rate ahead of Sri Lanka, meaning it was assured of a place in the Super Four.
Sri Lanka will face Afghanistan in Lahore on Tuesday for the remaining Super Four slot in the group.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2023: India vs Pakistan Round 2 on Sep 10 confirmed?
Liton Das’ return to fitness came as a relief for Bangladesh, which also lost frontline seamer Ebadot Hossain to injury.
Opener Najmul Hossain Shanto and all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz both struggled with fitness on their way to a 194-run third-wicket stand against Afghanistan in Lahore.
Miraz retired hurt after making a career-best 112, while Shanto, who batted with a cramp for a long time, slipped on the crease and was run out after making 104.
Bangladesh will open its campaign in the Super Four against Pakistan, who has already qualified from Group A, in Lahore on Wednesday.
India and Nepal are playing in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, on Monday to qualify for the Super Four as the other team from Group A.
The tournament is a tune-up for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 in India.