One of the most technically sound batsmen in the Bangladesh team, Mushfiqur Rahim has started to find his rhythm in the shortest format of the game, in which he has a disappointing track record since making his debut back in 2006.

Mushfiqur, who averages just over 18 in 63 matches with a top score that came not so long ago during the first of the two-match T20I series against Sri Lanka at home, where he scored an unbeaten 66 after being promoted to number three for the first time.

The wicketkeeper-batsman has been in fine touch as he scored a blistering 65 off 44 balls in the practice match against Sri Lanka Cricket President's XI yesterday.

The right-hander, who batted at number four, struck three sixes and six fours during his knock which helped the Tigers post 186 for five in 20 overs. A standout shot from the elegant batsman was his majestic six over extra cover off pacer Lahiru Kumara.

Mushfiqur, who has a strike rate of 118.51 in the shortest format, told The Daily Star that he is focusing only on timing and middling the ball in the sweeter part of the bat more often, which has helped him to clear the boundary effortlessly.

"Everyone thinks that T20 cricket is for the well-built batsman who has the power to clear the ropes," Mushfiqur said after the practice game at the Colombo Cricket Club yesterday. He went on to add: "It's all about technique, whichever format you play, and it's important to read the bowler early and adjust your foot movement. Yes, if you have enough power it can only be your extra strength but one just can't go and hit every ball only because you have the muscle," he said.

The 30-year-old added that because of his place in the batting order he was unable to get more deliveries to face, which prevented him from improvimg his average in the shortest format of the game.

"T20 is a fast-paced game where the bowlers will come up with something different in every delivery and as a batsman you need to adjust to the pitch very early. We haven't played T20s on a regular basis and the more we play this game, the more we will be able to cope up with it as we did in the fifty-over format," Mushfiqur said.

According to the wicketkeeper-batsman, the Nidahas Trophy will be a great opportunity for the Bangladeshi players to improve their skills.