'It's not that easy!'

By the looks of it, Mosaddek Hossain can score double hundreds at will. He has already reached the milestone thrice this year and has every chance of crossing that mark many more times in the on-going National Cricket League; at least that's what the statistics suggest.

In his last eight first-class matches, this 19-year-old has scored 1385 runs at an astounding average of 115.4. He has grilled centuries in his last four matches and yesterday's unbeaten 200 against Sylhet meant that the youngster had posted his eighth consecutive 50-plus score.

Only into his 12th first-class game, it wasn't always bright and shiny for the Barisal middle order batsman. His first-class debut was a nightmare as he started with a pair of ducks and had scored just 34 runs in the next three matches. However, the tides changed from his fifth game onwards. He scored a cautious 250 and ever since, the player has been on a high.

“I don't think I am dreaming,” laughed Mosaddek. “But yes, I have dreamed of performing like this and I am glad that it's coming true.

Speaking on the unbeaten 200 he scored yesterday, Mosaddek claimed that he was lucky to reach the mark. “When we were seven down, I had just scored 70 runs. It wouldn't have been possible for me to reach 200 if it wasn't for the tail. They batted brilliantly.

“I think you need a combination of things to be able to play long knocks. You need to practice at the nets for long periods of time... that's one thing I do. And you also need luck on your side; fortunately for me, I am going through a good phase at the moment,” said the 19-year-old while speaking to The Daily Star yesterday.

Despite making a brilliant mark in the longer version of the game, Mosaddek prefers one-dayers and T20Is to Test cricket.

“I enjoy the limited overs a lot more. I love to play strokes. But because I am in good form right now, I seem to be playing well in all formats,” said Mosaddek.

So does this mean he has more double hundreds planned for this year? Mosaddek laughs off the question. “I don't know. It's not that easy! But yes, there is a sense of determination. I always want to play better than the previous game. Because I know that it takes just one bad performance to be criticised.”