Relentless Saifuddin broadens horizon
He seems to be the pace bowling all-rounder selectors looking for
Sports Reporter, Chattogram
Mohammad Saifuddin ticked another box in making team managements task easier in their quest of a genuine pace bowling all-rounder as he showed his credential in bowling, claiming three for 45 against a Zimbabwe batting line up who demonstrated more composure unlike the first ODI.
It was the best bowling figure in his five-match International career and it came on the back of his 50 runs in the first match, which came at a moment when Bangladesh were struggling at 139 for six. He went wicket-less in the first match, giving away 29 runs in his seven overs but his bowling wasnt needed actually in that match. Still he was economical.
The genuine test came in the second ODI. He came as a first change bowler and platform was set to see as to how he could flourish in a pitch, not so benevolent for the bowlers. Captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza who began bowling with new ball wasnt spared as the runs were coming at ease. His new ball partner Mustafizur Rahman also looked not-so-threatening as Zimbabwe plundered runs at ridiculously ease.
Saifuddin wasnt the bowler who could generate enough pace to unsettle the batsmen rather his strength was his discipline which he executed perfectly to stem the run-flow. The beauty of his bowling was the change of pace, a weapon with which he regularly baffled the batsmen in this match. The slower bouncer was another delivery which enriched his repertoire of bowling.
The amount of confidence Steve Rhodes laid on the kid whom he did not see to great extent was nothing short of surprise as he mentioned to keep him ready for the injured prone Mashrafe Mortaza, if required while admitted that he believe him to be a good all-rounder.
Mashrafe has had his injuries. He picked up an injury recently. We need to think about keeping someone ready as his replacement. We want to give Saifuddin some cricket so that he can be prepared, he said.
It looked the lanky pace bowler repaid the faith of the coach and team management by grabbing the opportunity with both hands in the first two matches of the series.
His match saving maiden fifty in the opening game give an hints of his batting exploits but what remained to be seen is whether he can keep his nerves when he get down to bowl.
It became more imperative considering his past when often he was seen to fumble with the ball when he was required to keep his nerves and it happened on quite a few occasions, with the most famous one remaining the five sixes he was hit by David Miller in a Twenty20 game at their own den.
Saifuddin looked to be more prepared as far as displaying his bowling skill is concerned against the Zimbabwean as he maintained a tight line and length while changing his pace to keep the opponent guessing after earning the first breakthrough with the wicket of Masakadza.
After dismissing Masakadza, he didnt bog down. Rather he grew up such confidence that it seemed he belonged the place. He even realised a maiden against the play of the game. That maiden over basically created a pressure to which Zimbabwe finally bowed down as Mehidy Hasan Miraj capitalized on it to claim the wicket of Cephas Zhuwao.
Saifuddins biggest wicket in terms of match scenario was Sean Williams who was settled in the crease nicely to play the anchor role after the departure of Brendan Taylor. He later got the scalp of dangerman Elton Chigumbura to prevent Zimbabwe from big hitting at the death overs.
The performance against Zimbabwe obviously wouldnt be rated highly but the confidence and consistency Saifuddin showed drew the attention of the team management.
He looked confidence this time round unlike the first time when he looked nervous. Hopefully he would cash in on it and solve the problem of a pace bowling all-rounder, who we need in England during the 2019 World Cup, said chief selector Minhajul Abedin Nannu.
