Mustafiz can have three iPhone 6s

Just after getting called up for the ODI series against India, young Mustafizur Rahman had asked his uncle to get him an iPhone 6 Plus. The uncle, who lives in United States, told the bowler that he would get his wish fulfilled only if he took a three-wicket haul in one of the three matches.

The uncle probably could not gauge the true potential of his nephew. But now he knows, as the cricketing world knows, what this 19-year-old boy is capable of delivering. A largely unknown character to most cricket fans barely three months ago, Mustafizur has all-of-a-sudden become the most beloved Tiger in this streak of brilliant Tigers.

The left-armer's six-for yesterday, which eventually propelled the Tigers to a six-wicket victory and a first-ever series win over India, kept his family members and relatives back in Satkhira glued to TV sets.

The nondescript house in the remote Tetulia village had assumed a carnival-like atmosphere ever since Mustafizur grabbed a five-for on his debut on Thursday. The carnival only got bigger and more joyous as the young boy grabbed a six-for yesterday to etch his name in the record books. Mustafizur's father Abul Kashem Gazi watched the match surrounded by his family, relatives and neighbours.

"I am so happy that my son is playing so well. I always believed he would do something like this," said Gazi, who was panting in excitement as he spoke over phone while watching the match. "Everyone here, my relatives and neighbours who have come to watch the match with us, are all happy that our own Mustafizur is contributing so greatly to this victory over India."

The excitement and joy rang in a similar tone in Sonadanga, where Mustafizur's mother was visiting his elder brother Mahfuzur Rahman. When called for comments, Mahfuzur said he always had faith in his brother, but even he was completely taken aback by what transpired over the last few days.

"We all knew Mustafiz was very talented. Whenever any foreign team came to Bangladesh to play, Mustafizur was called to bowl at the nets and people came out with a good word or two about him. And then when he played for the under-19s or the Dhaka Premier League or National League, he always earned the affection of his coaches, despite being very shy, due to the potential he showed," said an elated Mahfuzur.

"But the way my brother played, holding his nerve and showcasing all of his guile to grab 11 wickets in two matches, even took me by surprise," added the proud brother.

Mustafizur's mother, Mahmuda Khatun, said she was happy like everyone and hoped that her son would continue to serve the country this way for a long time.

Back here in Dhaka, losing captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni reserved the best praise, albeit a technical one, for the youngster at the post-match press conference.

"His [Mustafizur] hand speed is good and there is no difference between the slower one and normal delivery. The slower one travels to the keeper which does not happen in case of other pacers," analysed the India captain.

Dhoni's analysis sums up the reason the touring batsmen failed to get the better of Mustafizur yesterday, even after working on his deliveries thoroughly over the last couple of days. The bowler himself felt unflustered about the possibility of being found out by the opposition because he felt had enough guile in his armoury and enough control to execute effectively.

"During practice, [bowling coach] Heath Streak told me that [the Indian batsmen may have learnt about my strengths]. But I told him not to worry and I just bowled in my natural way," exclaimed Mustafizur.