ZCZC
BSP-22
CRICKET-MUSTAFIZUR-PERFORMANCE
Fizz not entirely happy with his performance in World Cup
DHAKA, July 6, 2019 (BSS) – Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was not entirely pleased with the performance he showed in this World Cup, stating that it could have been better had he kept his economy rate under control.
Mustafizur, adorably called as the Fizz by the fans, claimed 20 wickets from eight games, a Bangladesh record, which put him in the second place of the top wicket-taker list in the ongoing World Cup behind Australia’s fast bowler Mitchell Starc.
But he conceded runs at an economy rate of 6.70, the highest amongst the bowlers who took at least 10 wickets in this event.
He has other area to be concerned with his bowling also as he didn’t get any wicket with the new ball and the first 20 overs. 14 of his 20 wickets came at the death overs (after 40 overs), when most of the damages were done.
But he remains the best bowler in the death alongside the likes of Jasprit Bumrah or Mitchell Strac.
“It could have been better had I conceded less runs. In this light I would say I am 50 percent happy with my performance,” Mustafizur said.
“This wicket is not the like of our wicket. Here the all moves bit. Wicket is big reason that we can’t control the run rate,” he clarified.
The 23-year old pace bowler however is gracious enough to admit that he is not good enough to swing the ball like the others.
“I can’t swing the ball that much. I did swing the ball but not that much like the way others get the natural swing. I have to work with this aspect.”
Mustafizur became the first Bangladeshi bowlers to get consecutive five-for in the World Cup as he took 5-59 against India and 5-75 against Pakistan in team’s last two matches. He said he is happy to get the feat but rued that his performance was not enough to help the side move into the semifinal.
“To get the feat like claiming five wickets is always satisfying,” he said. “But it could have been better had we moved into the semifinal. We have to improve in all areas-bating, bowling and fielding.”
Mustafizur said he is more pleased with getting five wickets against India because of their batting strength. But he refused to reveal whose wicket gave him more pleasure.
“Considering the batting line up of India, five-for against them is more satisfying. Every wicket is important for me and I don’t want to reveal which wicket is valuable to me.”
BSS/SMP/SMM/1825 hrs