'Bangladesh wasting Mahmudullah'

When Mahmudullah Riyad walked out to bat against South Africa yesterday at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbar, Bangladesh were reeling at 42 for four with a big-margin defeat looming large. Mahmudullah has batted at number six, seven and eight so far at this World Cup and his ton yesterday came after coming in to bat at number six and reduced Tigers' margin of defeat.

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haque felt that the Bangladesh team management were wasting Mahmudullah's talents by playing him only as a finisher given that the top-order is still struggling. Yesterday Mahmudullah came in after Mushfiqur Rahim's dismissal with defeat already looking inevitable in chase of South Africa's 382.

"He played brilliantly. He scored two tons in the 2015 World Cup which included a ton against England. He looked comfortable against pace [yesterday] and the kinds of shots he played was very dominating. It's his third ton and they have come against strong sides. Bangladesh is wasting him at seven. When the match was over, he came to bat," Misbah opined during a show with A Sports yesterday.

Mahmudullah has so far managed scores of 41, 46 and 111 at the World Cup in India.

"When someone in such good form and the team are struggling, then you need to be utilising it. Yes they had given him a finisher role but when your team requires it, why not change that," Misbah wondered.

Pakistan's legendary pacer Wasim Akram pitched in saying 'when you are 40 for four, your finisher can't do anything. He [Mahmudullah] is technically correct and a proper batter, experienced too'