Shafiul impresses in practice
Since making his international debut back in 2010 pacer Shafiul Islam has not been able to cement his place in the Bangladesh team. Despite a few outstanding performances every now and then, his fitness has always remained a major concern.
The right-arm seamer had a good outing on a rain-affected first day of the three-day practice match, picking five wickets as Mushfiqur Rahim's Bangladesh Red team declared their first innings on 140 for nine. In reply Tamim Iqbal's Green team ended the days' play on 49 for one at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong yesterday.
Rain delayed the start as the game finally started after the lunch break at 12:40 pm but the pitch, which was covered due to overnight rain, offered a lot of movement and pace to the fast bowlers.
Skipper Tamim opted to field, keeping the overcast conditions in mind and reaped immediate rewards as Shafiul, who was incisive from the start, picked up the three top-order batsman in his first spell. Soumya Sarkar was the first to go, edging to second slip for one. Imrul Kayes (5) was the next to face the music, managing only to knick a Shafiul delivery to the wicketkeeper while Mahmudullah Riyad had no clue when he was bowled without troubling the scorers.
Young Nazmul Hossain Shanto and skipper Mushfiqur tried to steady the ship, adding 70 runs for the fourth wicket, but the latter offered a return catch to off-spinner Sanjit Saha after scoring 30.
The batting side never recovered and Shafiul went on to complete his five-for with the wickets of Taijul Islam and Rubel Hossain, while Nazmul ended up top-scoring with 53 off 86 balls with the help of six fours and a six as Mushfiqur declared their innings closed in the 48th over.
Shafiul's figures were an excellent five for 17 from 7.1 overs. It was also a good outing for fast bowling sensation Mustafizur Rahman who bowled in good areas and picked up a wicket from his nine overs giving away just 15 runs.
In reply, the Green team lose the wicket of Liton Kumar, who was caught off Rubel for five. Tamim will resume the second day on 23 alongside Mominul Haque on 19 runs.
According to chief selector Minhajul Abedin, Shafiul's display proved why he is always in the selectors' plans despite not being a regular member of the playing eleven.
“I think he bowled outstandingly -- especially the first three wickets he took came through sheer pace. This has been the reason why we have always kept Shafiul in our plans as he has the ability,” Minhajul told The Daily Star over phone yesterday.
The 27-year-old, who played his last Test in Chittagong against England last year, informed that he is working on his accuracy and looking to bowl according to the demands of the pitch.
“There is still a lot to learn and I am working on the accuracy and according to the demand of the pitch. At the same time I am working on swing as well,” said Shafiul to reporters yesterday.
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Mustafizur in the upcoming series and when asked about his performance, the chief selector said: “He was not bad and hopefully he will be fine by the start of the series,” he added.
SCORES IN BRIEF
BANGLADESH RED: 140/9 dec (Nazmul 53, Mushfiqur 30, Shafiul 5-17)
BANGLADESH GREEN: 49/1 (Tamim 23 not out, Mominul 19 not out, Rubel 1/15)
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