‘Mashrafe bhai gave me confidence’

In a surprising move, Bangladesh off-spinner Mehedi Hasan was sent in to open the innings in the final of the Asia Cup against India. The Tigers' had been struggling, losing early wickets in all games prior to the final and skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza's gamble to send in Mehedi to open with Liton Das paid off as the duo starred in a 121-run partnership.

The partnership provided the launchpad for a big score though the Tigers failed to maintain the consistency shown by the two openers for the rest of the innings, bundling out for just 223.

Mehedi's knock however showed that the young star was ready to take big challenges in big games and he said that skipper Mashrafe and vice-captain Mahmudullah Riyad told him that 'you can do it, no problem.

"I did not think I would open in the final. Mashrafe bhai asked me the previous night and every one of the seniors supported me."

Bangladesh may need to come up with contingency plans during critical moments. That Mehedi could come and contribute as an opener gave him some much-needed confidence and he reiterated that he would work on his batting more.

"There was huge pressure in the final. It would give me confidence for the future.

"My confidence [in batting abilities] has returned. So I am working on my batting and hope to contribute in the future," he said.