‘Hoping Mustafizur can step up’ – Courtney Walsh

Their bowling has been a cause for concern for Bangladesh in the Nidahas Trophy Twenty20 International tri-series. In the three matches that they have played so far in the series, Bangladesh have conceded more than 175 runs both times that they have batted second.

With the final league game against Sri Lanka being a knockout affair, Bangladesh have to address the issues with their bowling and ensure that the in-form Mushfiqur Rahim and the other batsmen are not left with another mountain to climb.

“I would be lying if I said I thought we bowled well. We have bowled okay, but not as well as we can,” said Courtney Walsh, Bangladesh’s stand-in coach, on the eve of the game against Sri Lanka.

Compared to the 214/6 they conceded against Sri Lanka, which Bangladesh did chase down, the 176/3 they gave away to India in the last game was a better performance.

“The improvement is coming, but not as quickly as we would like. If we can put it all together, it will be a big plus for us in Friday's game,” noted Walsh.

Fast bowler Rubel Hossain was the pick of the bowlers against India as he picked up two wickets and effected a run out towards the death. His delivery to dismiss Shikhar Dhawan – a swinging yorker – was as good a delivery as any bowled by a Bangladeshi bowler in the series. “Rubel has been very consistent. If the other guys stepped up, it would give us a little more cushion," said Walsh.

Mustafizur Rahman’s performances in this series – an economy rate of 9.75 from 12 overs in return for four wickets – have been slightly underwhelming, and Walsh is hoping his main strike bowler turns his form around quickly. “Someone like Mustafizur Rahman having a good game will help us tremendously. I am hoping he can step up to the plate in this crucial game. I know he can. He had some fantastic games in PSL (Pakistan Super League) so it is a case of turning it around here. One game can make a difference,” said Walsh.

Shakib Al Hasan, the premier Bangladesh all-rounder, has been called up following his recovery from a finger injury and will bolster the squad. Shakib’s presence will not only strengthen the middle-order batting but will also provide a key spin-bowling option, an area Walsh feels also needs improvement.

“Spinners also have not been as spot on as we like them to be. They have had good patches. But if everyone did their bit, it will give us a very good chance,” said Walsh. “He (Shakib) is on his way. Like any other player, he will be assessed. If he is fit, someone of his class and calibre will be considered to play.”