Ahead of the Super-4 stage of Asia Cup 2023, Bangladesh have suffered a massive blow as their in-form batter Najmul Hossain Shanto has been ruled out of the tournament with an injury.

Shanto experienced discomfort in his left hamstring during his knock of 104 against Afghanistan in Lahore on Sunday (September 3).

A day later, MRI confirmed a muscle tear and Shanto was advised rest by the BCB medical team to keep him fresh for the upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, slated to be held in India from October 5 to November 19.

"The player had complained of hamstring pain during batting and could not field. We had an MRI scan done confirming a muscle tear," Bangladesh team Physio Bayjedul Islam Khan said, as quoted by ICC.

"As a precaution, Shanto will not take any further part in the tournament and will be returning home to start rehab and prepare for the World Cup."

While Bangladesh are yet to announce a replacement for Shanto, their squad has been bolstered by the return of star wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das.

Litton was unable to join the squad in Sri Lanka for the tournament opener due to viral fever, but he will now team up with the contingent after receiving a clearance certificate from the medical team.

The Tigers qualified for the Super-4 stage with a comprehensive 89-run win over Afghanistan in Lahore.

Bangladesh had lost their opening fixture to Sri Lanka but the win over Afghanistan saw them progress to the next round.

Shanto has been Bangladesh's top run-getter in the continental event so far. He was the top-scorer in the first match, a patient 89 against Sri Lanka giving his team something to bowl at and followed that up with a brilliant hundred against Afghanistan.

(With ICC Inputs)