Tamim credits ‘CSK Magic’ for Mustafiz’s rebirth

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Mustafizur Rahman is making opposition batters struggle with his mix of cutters and pace variations. Most batters are failing to decipher the mystery behind his deliveries. His in-swinging deliveries that veer sharply off the pitch are reminiscent of the old left-arm pacer. Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal believes that Mustafiz's resurgence can be attributed to the "Chennai Magic" as Tamim is delighted to see a different mentality in Mustafiz.

Back in March this year, Mustafizur conceded over 40 runs in each of the three T20 matches against Sri Lanka. Following such performances, he was dropped from the first two ODIs. For the past few years, Mustafizur struggled to find his best form. However, he rediscovered his touch in the Indian Premier League, donning the Chennai Super Kings jersey. He performed as expected in most matches for the five-time champions.

Mustafizur was also unstoppable in the series against Zimbabwe and the USA. In the final T20 match against the USA, he took 6 wickets for just 10 runs. He carried this form into the T20 World Cup, where he has taken 7 wickets in 4 matches at an average of 10.28 and an economy rate of 3.37. Notably, he bowled 6 overs at the death, conceding only 10 runs.

Mustafizur was outstanding with the ball against Nepal. In the match that secured Bangladesh's place in the Super Eight, he took 3 wickets for 7 runs in 4 overs, including 20 dot balls. He even bowled a maiden over in the 19th over, taking a wicket. Tamim is pleased to see the old Mustafizur return and views this as a new mentality.

"He bowled a maiden over in the 19th over and took a wicket. You never want to give such an over, especially when chasing only 106 runs. Mustafizur has been doing this for us for many years. He has been outstanding in this World Cup. I can only hope that he continues to bowl the same way when we play in the Super Eight. I have mentioned before on this show that he is bowling brilliantly." Tamim said to ESPN Cricinfo.

"I see a different Mustafiz. Before going to the IPL, he was dropped from a few matches. Then he went to the IPL, and I don't know if it's the Chennai Magic or something else in that team, but he has completely transformed. He bowled well in the IPL, and he seems like a different bowler. He is still the same bowler but with a different mentality. He knows what he is doing and it looks like he is in control of everything he wants to do" he added.

Mustafizur Rahman's exceptional performance and newfound confidence are indeed promising signs for Bangladesh as they look forward to the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup.