Mashrafe Mortaza sidelined by side strain

Bangladesh fast bowler Mashrafe Mortaza has been ruled out of the Asia Cup with a side strain. He will be replaced by Shafiul Islam.

"Mortaza had picked up a side strain during the match against India on February 26. The scan report suggests it is a strain on the left side," Bangladesh physio Vibhav Singh said. "Unfortunately he is out of this tournament. He will carry on doing the rehab under the guidance of the BCB medical team and we will assess him further in the coming days."

The injury is a blow to Bangladesh's campaign because they are already without Tamim Iqbal, who is also unfit, and Shakib Al Hasan, who will be available only for the last two league games because of his three-ODI ban.

Bangladesh are also waiting on Mushfiqur Rahim, who hurt his shoulder during the game against India and was taken to hospital for scans. "We will continue to asses him today," Vibhav said. "He will undergo a fitness test tomorrow after which we will decide whether he can play the match against Afghanistan."

Bangladesh lost their opening game of the Asia Cup to India and are due to play Afghanistan on March 1.