Change in mentality serves Mehidy well
Photo - BCB
|| CF Correspondent ||
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, already among Bangladesh’s all-time top four wicket-takers, was not considered to be as prolific with the ball in the shorter formats. Though he always had the ability to bowl in the powerplay and squeeze the flow of runs, it was only recently, when the all-rounder emerged as a wicket-taking option besides continuing his usual economical bowling with the new ball.
The right-arm off-spinner bowled eight overs at a stretch in the series-deciding third and final ODI against West Indies and earned his side their first breakthrough, something he has done one quite a few occasions this year.
“Luck favored us because Mashrafe bhai won the toss. The wicket had slight moisture with help for spinners early in the game. It was great to bowl eight overs from one end, which helped me take the wickets,” Mehidy told reporters.
The 21-year-old went on to take a four-for, making it his career-best bowling innings, and was adjudged the Man of the Match as well.
However, Mehidy understands that he will not be returning such brilliant figures and will have to keep trying his best.
He said: “I have always wanted to do well in ODIs, after I made the good start in Tests. I have only become consistent in ODIs since the West Indies series.
“I won’t get a lot of wickets every day but there will be the odd days when I get four or five wickets. I think that mentality has helped me take four wickets today.
“It is difficult to bowl with the new ball, especially with two fielders outside the circle. But good balls bring more opportunity for dot balls and wickets. I try to bowl in the right areas and not give away boundaries. I want to allow singles, at best, but not boundaries.”
