Desk Report:
He started his international cricket career by shaking India. He took 11 wickets in two consecutive ODIs. Since then, Mustafizur Rahman has been the name of trust in Bangladesh’s bowling attack. He has seen a bad time in his 10-year career. But if there is a match against India, this left-arm pacer inevitably becomes relevant. He is also the center of interest in Indian cricket. This time too is no exception. In the eyes of India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Descotte, Mustafiz is a champion bowler.
Bangladesh will fight against India tomorrow in the Super Four match of the Asia Cup. India has won all four of the four matches before. Mustafiz will have to make a big contribution to rein in their powerful batting. The left-arm pacer is already in great shape in the Asia Cup. He has taken three wickets in the last two matches.
India is cautious about Mustafiz on the Dubai wicket. Ten Descotte said at a press conference today, ‘Yes, he is a champion. He has been playing international cricket for a long time and is a very skilled bowler. We know what kind of skills he comes with. It is important for a player to do well at the international level for a long time.’
Mustafiz has been a bit lackluster against India in T20Is. He has taken only 8 wickets in 13 matches. However, even though there are better players in the Bangladesh team, Mustafiz’s quality is above all, feels Ten Descotte. His comment, ‘He has played very well in the IPL. As I said earlier, we respect all opponents. There are many good players in the Bangladesh team, Mustafiz is probably their premium player, so we take him very seriously.’
Ten Descotte believes that Bangladesh is able to keep pace with the new era of T20Is, ‘We respect Bangladesh. I think they are on the path of improvement now; they have adapted their game to the new era of T20Is. They have good attacking batsmen at the top and we are looking forward to the challenge tomorrow. But we know that everyone can always give their best.’
Bangladesh has won just one T20I against India in 17 matches. Will there be a second win tomorrow?
