Published: 09:17 AM, 25 April 2026
Mehidy Hasan heaps praise on Mustafiz and Bangladesh pace attack
Mustafizurcomplemented his effort with a sensational 5-43, a bowling figure that eventually dismissed New Zealand for 210 in 44.5 overs.-BCB
Bangladesh ODI skipper MehidyHasan praised his pace bowlers after the ODI series victory over visitors New Zealand in the third and final ODIat the BirShresthaShaheed Flight Lieutenant MatiurRahman Stadium in Chattogram on Thursday.
Bangladesh's fightback after losing the first game by 26 runs was mainly because of their fast bowlers. Rana's 5 for 32 rattled New Zealand in the second game, and they were bowled out for 198. Mustafizur's 5 for 43 was the centrepiece in Bangladesh defending 265 on a good batting pitch in the deciding game in Chattogram on Thursday.
Shoriful bowled superbly in all three games after being a last-second inclusion in the first ODI. Taskin Ahmed had his moments too, bowling well in the death overs in the first game.
Their combined 22 wickets in the series is now the most by Bangladesh's fast bowlers in a bilateral ODI series. The interesting part is how it was spread out: Rana took eight, Mustafizur and Shoriful five each, Taskin three, and part-timer SoumyaSarkar one.
A superb century from NajmulHossainShanto laid the foundation for the hosts, who posted a competitive 265-8.
Mustafizur then complemented his effort with a sensational 5-43, a bowling figure that eventually dismissed New Zealand for 210 in 44.5 overs.
"He (Mustafiz) had an extraordinary performance today (Thursday). Mustafiz is a great bowler who wins us many matches from difficult situations," Mehidy said. "Having such a player helps the team in any tough situation. I have been seeing him for the last ten years so I feel confident when I see the ball in his hand in crisis moments."
While Mustafizur is the senior pro in the attack, Rana is the new sensation. He has now taken 16 wickets in the last two ODI series and, in between, rocked PSL 2026 with seven wickets in four games.
"Our pace unit is bowling very well for a few years now,. They have been consistent over a long period of time. They have won us many matches both at home and abroad. I think if a team has a good pace unit, the momentum surely changes" MehidyHasanMiraz
"NahidRana is definitely a big asset for the Bangladesh team," Mehidy said. "We will all try to take care of him, but the big advantage is how he is maintaining himself. The way he has bowled in the last two series, he gives the team great momentum. I think he can win many more matches for Bangladesh if he continues to bowl this way."
He said that Rana bowling at above 145kph for most of his ten-over spells has been taking the pressure off the team, and putting it on the opponents. "I think it is a blessing that he regularly hits the 145-150kph mark.
It puts a lot of extra pressure on the opposition," Mehidy said. "It is tough to handle his pace if you are looking to score quickly, while also trying not to get out. He bowls at high speeds from the beginning of his spell to the end. It is a great achievement. The most important thing is that he is very confident on the field. Whenever I tell him to bowl, he tells me that he will do well. This is a huge relief as a captain."
