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‘IMPROVED’ MAHEDI offers Tigers variety
SPORTS REPORTER
Off-spinner and all-rounder Mahedi Hasan has showcased his ability to bowl with guile and consistency of late, using both the new and old ball to good effect, eventually making the cut in Bangladesh’s 15-member World Cup squad.
Mahedi was not even in contention for a place in the final 15-member squad before the Asia Cup in August but the 28-year-old showed his worth in two matches he got to play in the continental event. He went on to further solidify his claim with effective displays in the following New Zealand ODIs at home.
On Friday, Mahedi was instrumental in Bangladesh’s win over Sri Lanka in their first World Cup warm-up match in Guwahati. His three wickets for 36 runs helped pull the momentum back towards the Tigers after the Lankans got off to a blistering start, leading to the island nation getting bundled out for 263 on a good batting surface.
The off-spinner maintained tight lines, reflecting his 4.48 economy-rate in ODIs, and displayed his guile through notable variations -- all of which he is known for.
According to his mentor Mohammad Salahuddin, Mahedi has worked on his variations and ability to bowl in the middle overs which will help Bangladesh in the mega event.
“From what I observed in the last few matches, I think his bowling has improved a lot. In the early stage of his career, he bowled well only with the new ball but as the ball got older, he tended to struggle,” Salahuddin told The Daily Star yesterday.
“I think now he has got a few variations and also understands how to bowl in the middle overs. I think this is his advantage and the best thing I noticed about him is that he is able to get some purchase even on flat tracks.”
Mahedi along with Mehedi Hasan Miraz are the two specialist right-arm off-spinners in the Tigers squad. They are of the same breed but differ in strengths and weaknesses. Considering that, Salahuddin feels that both the players can offer a lot of variety for the captain.
“As spinners get older, they get mature as a result of playing more and are able to figure out what to do. When he (Mahedi) faces top batters, he will be able to improve. I think he and Miraz are two different bowlers and both can offer a lot of variety in the playing eleven considering the strength and weakness of the opponent,” he said.
Bangladesh’s revamped pace unit has shown great promise and already has brought results for the Tigers, and naturally the pacers would be expected to play a massive role in India. However, considering the subcontinent conditions in store, Salahuddin has backed the spinners to play their part.
“The biggest strength of our bowlers is that they bowl at the stumps regardless of the variations but it won’t be wise to judge them on their home performances only,’’ Salahuddin said.
Apart from his bowling, Mahedi’s batting can also come in handy for the Tigers. The right-hander has a reputation for being able to hit well and a decent domestic record backs that.
I think Mahedi and Miraz are two different bowlers and both can offer a lot of variety in the playing eleven considering the strength and weakness of the opponent
MOHAMMAD SALAHUDDIN