DHAKA, Aug 31, 2021 (BSS)—Youngster Afif Hossain, who suffered an elbow injury is all but sure to play the first game of the five-match Twenty20 International series against New Zealand, starting tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

He was rested for the last day of practice that raised a possibility of his omission from the series opener. However, captain Mahmudullah Riyad, quelled the doubts, saying that Afif is fit to play.

"Afif is fine now, he will play in tomorrow's match," Mahmudullah said.

The batting all-rounder was not in preparation for the final day on Tuesday. The team management has kept him under observation, giving him rest. He sustained the injury when a rising delivery of fast bowler Taskin Ahmed hit his elbow during a net session on Monday.

The medical department of the BCB immediately informed that the injury was not serious. He however didn’t need any scan or MRI in the injured place.