Published on 05:40 PM, February 12, 2019

Fizz ‘key factor’ in planning against New Zealand

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman. PHOTO: AFP File

Bangladesh ace pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been in a good vein of form recently as he looks to bounce back from the shoulder injury which suppressed him for a long while. His performances last year has been impressive and Steve Rhodes, the Bangladesh coach talked about how crucial the left-arm pacer is going to be in the upcoming series.

Fizz bagged 12 wickets in the recently concluded Bangladesh Premier League but it was his death overs bowling that once again was instrumental to his success. His performance in the Nidahas trophy and the Asia Cup last year add further credence to the argument that Mustafizur is going to be key for the Tigers in New Zealand. He recently attained his highest ranking for ODI bowlers in the ICC rankings as he went up to fifth in the list. Fizz is regaining some of his consistency of old and is a cricketer the Tigers will bank upon in the New Zealand series.

"I think in any white ball cricket, he is the type of guy you would like in your side. He is ranked in the top five in ODIs at the moment among bowlers and we do not have too many in that bracket," coach Steve Rhodes remarked.

Rhodes highlighted Fizz's death overs abilities where he used his cutters to good effect along with the well-placed fuller length deliveries.

"Certainly, Fizz is a good performer and he is a good performer when the pressure is on at the end of the innings as well. Key factor in planning against any team and certainly against the New Zealanders," he concluded.