ZCZC
BSP-23
CRICKET-BD-SAIFUDDIN
Saiffudin to use DPL as platform to keep consistency
DHAKA, March 6, 2019 (BSS)- All-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin has taken the
forthcoming Dhaka Premier League (DPL) 50-over cricket a platform to keep his
consistency with both batting and bowling as the ICC Cricket World Cup is
approaching fast.
Saifuddin was the part of Bangladesh’s ODI squad which had recently played
against New Zealand to be whitewashed in the three-match series. While
Saifuddin made some contribution in batting, he was below par in bowling.
But he knows as a player of national team’s ODI squad expectation will be
high on him in the DPL, as he is playing for the country’s domestic
powerhouse Abahani Limited, a team which is the reigning champions in the
league.
“You have seen me in last series in New Zealand that I had significant
contribution in both batting and bowling,” Saifuddin told BSS here today.
“If I can make my way to the World Cup, I will try my best. My target will
be to pay off the trust the team management put on me.”
“There is no end of learning. Every cricketer has some shortcoming and I am
no exception. I have been working on my shortcomings. The DPL is the platform
to overcome those weaknesses. There is still two months to start the World
Cup. Hopefully I will be able to prepare myself fully,” he said.
Saifuddin said he is eager to cement his place as a genuine all-rounder to
contribute with both hands for the national team.
“I prioritize both batting and bowling. In practice session, I emphasize
equally on both. When I bowl, I am bowler and when I bat, I am a batsman-this
is the way of my thinking.”
Saifuddin, however, hadn’t had good time in DPL T-20 format as he couldn’t
live up to the expectation. But he is keen to amend those mistakes in 50-over
format of DPL, which kicks off on Friday (March 8).
“Our team (Abahani Limited) is bolstered by experienced players of domestic
cricket and national team. However, a famed name alone can’t win the game.
Those who will perform better on given day, will win the match. But our team
is well-balanced. Hopefully we’ll have good tournament,” he said.
BSS/SMP/SSS/1752 hrs