Mirpur, 27 February। Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza says young pacer Mustafizur Rahman has proved how mentally strong he is in the match against the United Arab Emirates after a poor performance against India.
He urged fans not to burden Rahman with the weight of expectation in all matches, reports bdnews24.com.
Mustafizur had gone wicket-less for 40 runs in four overs in the Asia Cup opener against India. The Indian batsmen did not have much of a problem reading his cutters and slower deliveries. But Mashrafe defended his pace ace, saying his deliveries did not grip due to dew and rain.
But the left-arm seamer was back to his elements on Friday. In his first over, the 20-year old held on to a superb return catch. But the third umpire said not out after replays showed the ball had grazed the ground during Mustafizur's follow through after he dived.
But his slower balls and cutters were too good in the next over that fetched him two wickets in consecutive deliveries. He returned 2/13 in four overs as Bangladesh went on to crush UAE by 51 runs.
"I see no cause for worries. What happened in the last match is reality. Mustafizur won't do well in every match he plays. Such high expectations are abnormal, there will be highs and lows," Mashrafe said.
"The match gave us a glimpse of his mental strength. Cutters or not, his attitude is always positive. He always wants to give his best for the team. That's what matters."
Bangladesh next play Sri Lanka here on Sunday.
Agency