Saifuddin closer to being the genuine article

Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo had previously said that he missed a seaming all-rounder like Mohammad Saifuddin, who could add variety to the Tigers' line-up.

Perhaps knowing the ability of the young all-rounder, the South African kept an eye on 23-year-old, who made his return to international cricket after suffering a back injury more than five months ago during a T20I against Afghanistan.

Saifuddin, who played his last ODI against Pakistan at Lord's at the ICC World Cup last year, made an impressive return to the fifty-over format against Zimbabwe in the first of the three-match series in Sylhet yesterday.

The cricketer showed his mettle as a genuine seaming all-rounder that the team management have been looking for with his handy seaming skills both with the new ball and in the death overs, combined with his ability to hit big shots.

His first impact came with the bat when Bangladesh required some big hits in the final stage of the innings. Saifuddin, coming in at number seven with 19 balls left in the innings, did exactly what the Tigers were looking for.

The left-hander hit three sixes off Chris Mpofu in the final over of the innings, which yielded 22 runs and helped Bangladesh post their highest ODI total: 321.

During his 15-ball 28-run cameo, the left-hander played proper cricketing strokes. His hits down the ground off the full face of the bat reflected his ability to take on bowlers. His big-hitting abilities at the end were something that the Bangladesh team management felt the team was missing over the years.

The cricketer from Feni was then instrumental with the new ball and picked up the first wicket when Zimbabwe opener Tinashe Kamunhukamwe dragged the ball onto his stumps off a beautiful length delivery.

The right-arm seamer, who was getting consistent swing with the new ball, then trapped Regis Chakabva leg before when the right hander went for a rather fancy slog sweep.

Saifuddin went on to scalp his third wicket by dismissing Carl Mumba and ended up with figures of three for 22 from seven overs.

Saifuddin's presence on the field was also noticeable as he was seen diving all around and saving crucial runs. His body language yesterday was also definitely something worth discussing.

Yes, there are questions regarding the strength of the Zimbabwe side. But as the buzz this series has been to create a good cricketing culture, it is also a platform for Domingo to have a look at youngsters like Saifuddin.

These are still early days for Saifuddin, but if the cricketer can improve his skills further, Bangladesh's hopes of finding a world class all-rounder after Shakib Al Hasan will certainly be looking brighter.