‘Khaled was a bit unlucky’

Much was left to the imagination even as newcomer Khaled Ahmed bowled well throughout the second Test against Zimbabwe in what was his debut Test for Bangladesh as his performance did not get rewarded with a wicket. Mahmudullah Riyad said a wicket or two could really have made the difference for Khaled.

The 26-year old was able to trouble batsmen with the new ball, showing good control and aggression. However, the young pacer did not manage any wickets even as his performance should have been rewarded with atleast a wicket or two. Tigers' captain Mahmudullah Riyad felt that the pacer was a bit unlucky. In the second innings Bangladesh fielder thrice dropped catches off the bowling of the young pacer. Riyad was considerate of the situation saying things would have been nicer if fielders did not drop catches off the youngster's bowling.

"Khaled bowled really well considering that it was his first match. He was a bit unlucky and we dropped a few catches badly otherwise his bowling figure would have looked more beautiful," Riyad said.

Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladesh's ace-pacer also bowled the right line, at times troubling batsmen to no end but managed just a single wicket. The spinners bagged 15 of the 18 wickets the Bangladesh needed to win the Test.

"Mustafiz also bowled really well. Sometimes you need luck on your side and Mustafiz was bowling in the right areas too. Miraz and Taijul were the standout performers amongst the spinners," Riyad stated.

It is never easy bowling on subcontinent pitches as a pace bowler and Khaled did not find everything he was looking for despite this being his first Test match. "The first over Khaled bowled, I think he bowled three bouncers on the trot. I went upto him and asked if he was nervous, perhaps he was a bit nervous but later he recovered from early nerves," Riyad said when asked how he had guided the youngster through his debut Test.

But the Bangladesh captain could not have missed the fact that Khaled hurried the batsmen and moved the ball around. Khaled showed his ability to perform reverse-swing with the old ball and Riyad opined that the paceman has a good future for Bangladesh.

"If he had gotten one or two wickets then maybe he would have bowled with more effort. When you get wickets in Test cricket, then effort level goes up. He is a very young prospect for Bangladesh and he can do well," Riyad concluded.