Thumbs down for Mortaza

Bangladesh’s limited-overs captain Mashrafe Mortaza has been diagnosed with a fractured thumb and ruled out of action for four to six weeks after he was struck on the right hand during the third and final T20 against the Black Caps in Mount Maunganui.

Mashrafe was injured after a Corey Anderson shot hit his hand during the hosts’ 27-run win on Sunday to sweep the series 3-0.

‘‘Mashrafe had an x-ray done immediately after the match and the report has confirmed a fractured right metacarpal,’’ team physio Dean Conway told espncricinfo.

‘‘Recovery is expected to take between four to six weeks and will be followed by a short rehab. The injured area will be put in a cast as he recovers.’’

The incident occurred on the second ball of the 18th over of New Zealand’s innings, when Mashrafe, who last played a test in 2009, bowled a full toss and stuck his hand out after Anderson belted the ball straight back.

Mashrafe had to abort the over and left the field after getting attention from the physio. He finished with figures of 3.2-0-42-0.

Opening batsmen Imrul Kayes and Tamim Iqbal also suffered minor injuries during Bangladesh’s fielding effort. Tamim hurt his left thumb and also had an x-ray after the match.

‘‘The thumb is sore but the x-ray has come clear. We will review his condition after 48 hours,’’ Conway said.

Kayes, who tripped over the advertisement boards while trying to attempt a catch, also hobbled off the field after falling on his left knee and did not bat during Bangladesh’s chase of 195. He did not require a scan but will also be assessed after 48 hours.