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Bangladesh lose Mortaza

Dhaka - Bangladesh fast bowler Mashrafe Mortaza was on Friday ruled out for the rest of the Asia Cup due to a side strain, dealing a further blow to the depleted hosts.

"Mashrafe won't play in the Asia Cup and we will see if he can be fit for the World Twenty20," team physiotherapist Vibhav Singh told reporters in Dhaka.

Bangladesh, who lost their opening match to India by six wickets, have named seamer Shafiul Islam as Mortaza's replacement in the 15-man squad for the one-day tournament.

Mortaza, 30, is one of Bangladesh's most experienced players with 165 wickets in 133 one-day internationals.

The hosts are already without flamboyant opener Tamim Iqbal due to a neck injury, while premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is serving a ban.

Shakib, who missed the game against India, will also sit out of the second match against Afghanistan in Fatullah on Saturday.

Meanwhile, skipper Mushfiqur Rahim is not guaranteed to start against Afghanistan after hurting his right shoulder while fielding against India.

Rahim, who hit a century against India, will undergo a fitness test ahead of the next match, Singh said.

The World Twenty20 opens in Bangladesh on March 16.

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