Neesham: I tried to learn the slower ball from Mustafiz

However, only a handful of Bangladeshi cricketers regularly feature in overseas franchise leagues, with Mustafizur Rahman currently being the most active among national team players.

Mustafizur has often shared his bowling expertise with foreign teammates, and New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham is one of those who tried to learn the art of slower deliveries from the Bangladeshi pacer.

The two played together for Dubai Capitals in the ILT20, where Neesham closely observed Mustafizur’s variations.

Although Neesham admitted he has not fully mastered the slower ball yet, he spoke highly of Mustafizur in an interview with Cricfrenzy.

“Mustafizur is an exceptional bowler. His demand in the IPL auctions proves his quality. I’ve spoken to him a lot and tried to learn his slower ball, but my wrist isn’t flexible enough (laugh). Playing alongside him at Dubai Capitals in the ILT20 was a great experience.” Neesham said with a laugh.

In the same interview, Neesham also revisited memories of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, a match that ended in disappointment for New Zealand. Batting first, New Zealand posted 265, but Bangladesh chased down the target despite losing four wickets for just 33 runs.

Centuries from Shakib Al Hasan (114) and an unbeaten Mahmudullah Riyad (102) guided Bangladesh to a famous five-wicket victory, a result that sent them into the semifinals at New Zealand’s expense.

Reflecting on the match, Neesham said, “Winning ICC tournaments is always difficult. I still remember that partnership between Mahmudullah and Shakib in the 2017 Champions Trophy at Cardiff, which knocked us out of the tournament.”