ZCZC
BSP-22
CRICKET-WC-NEWCOMER
Opportunity for World Cup newcomers to be star
DHAKA, April 27, 2019 (BSS)-When Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim produced the match-defining half-century against India in 2007 World Cup, they became overnight star.
Particularly Tamim’s straight six off Zaheer Khan, dancing down the track went down the folklore of ICC Cricket World Cup’s history, making him the most adorable cricketer in the country.
The trio actually rallied around Mashrafe Bin Mortaza who claimed 4-38 in a gem of fast bowling to lead India’s exit from the group phase of that World Cup.
12 years after Mashrafe is still in the side, probably will be playing his final World Cup while the trio-Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim and Tamim Iqbal established them as the heart of Bangladesh.
Former skipper Mohammad Ashraful thought this is the high time for the World Cup newcomers of Bangladesh to rally around the trio and Masharfe to make them star like the way Shakib, Tamim and Mushfiqur did in 2007.
As many as seven players-Mohammad Mithun, Saifuddin, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Mustafizur Rahman, Mehidy Hasan Miraj, Liton Das and Abu Jayed Rahi– in Bangladesh’s World Cup squad will play their first World Cup.
Ashraful said World Cup is such a stage which could make them star if they can grab the opportunity with both hands.
“World Cup makes the players star. It’s a great platform, now if you can utilize the platform, you can be hit instantly,” he said.
“Those seven players who are going to play their first World Cup have already been proven. Now the World Cup brings an opportunity for them to establish them in the world level. If they can perform well, they will be followed globally. They need to play fearless brand of cricket just, the way Tamim, Shakib and Mushfiqur played in 2007 World Cup.”
BSS/SMP/MMA/2012hrs