Sabbir Rahman has mixed feelings about own innings
Talented Bangladesh batsman Sabbir Rahman has revealed that his hard work had paid off after he scored 165 against Sri Lanka A. His highest score in first-class before this was 136 and he beat it quite comfortably against the visiting team.
However, falling short of a maiden double hundred by only 35 runs, Sabbir Rahman does feel like he might have missed out on a golden opportunity. He also added that a part of him couldn’t believe that he was the one doing the magic with the bat and was pleased with himself for keeping his calm in the middle to play an important inning.
"Yes, you can say I missed a double hundred but for me scoring a century in the longer version can be considered as a huge accomplishment in itself," Sabbir told Cricbuzz. "Even I am having a mixed feeling regarding my innings as to whether it was me or someone else who did all these things in the middle.
"I am pleased that I did not lose my head during the initial phase when things were tough and probably it took 64 deliveries for me to score just 14 runs. I made up my mind that I am ready to struggle but I will not lose my wicket trying to do anything silly," he added.
Sabbir is a highly-controversial figure in the Bangladesh cricket circuit. As a result, his form has often been erratic and subsequently, he hasn’t been able to do justice to his talent.
However, he confirmed that he focused on individual training during his time away from domestic cricket as he was suspended by the board for six months for assaulting a young fan last December.
"I focused on individual training during this period. I also made some technical changes (to address the flaws) that was believed to be largely responsible for my lack of consistency during this time. I am quite satisfied that at least I could execute it in the middle."
Sabbir’s approach against one of Sri Lanka’s most promising spinners, Lakshan Sandakan, was exemplary. The right-handed batsman was sublime in his shot selection as he himself revealed that his main plan was to stick in the middle and not lose his calm.
And in the end, it turned out to be a great exhibition of temperament.
"I had a plan against Sandakan that if he bowls off-spin I will sweep and if he tries to bowl the googly than I will try to play according to its merit," Sabbir said. "But I planned all these things after crossing my fifty and until that time my major emphasis remained on trying to keep my composure in the middle.
“Longer version cricket is all about temperament and application, and for me... I knew I can play my shots if I manage to stay focused."
Finally, he stated that he won’t waste the chances bestowed upon him as he has worked too hard to do something like this.
"I think it is a new beginning for me and I am not willing to waste any opportunity that comes my way after making all these efforts and taking all these troubles."
Meanwhile, selector Minhajul Abedin was full of praise of the dashing batsman as he stated that Sabbir’s batting “satisfied” him and that his composure and determination in the middle ensured that he didn’t throw away his wickets – something that he has been culpable of in the past.
"He batted really well but what was really satisfying is that he looked determined not to give up unlike in the past when he spilled his opportunities despite doing all the hard work."
Sabbir has long been touted as the next best gem in Bangladesh cricket. So far, he hasn’t been able to do justice to his immense talent but if he keeps his composure, there is going to be no stopping this man.
