DHAKA, April 17, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh suffered a setback in their opening ODI against New Zealand as pacer Mustafizur Rahman was ruled out with an injury shortly before the match began.

The left-arm seamer felt discomfort in his right knee during the warm-up session, prompting team management to withdraw him just moments before the toss.

Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz was informed of the development shortly before the toss, resulting in a last-minute change to the playing XI.

Fast bowler Shoriful Islam was drafted into the side as Mustafizur's replacement for the series opener against a New Zealand team led by Tom Latham.

Team manager Nafis Iqbal said the decision was taken as a precaution.

"Mustafiz felt discomfort in his right knee during his warm-up. Just before the toss, the decision was taken that he will not play today. Shoriful is playing in his place," he said.