Fizz slowly finding his groove

One of Bangladesh’s biggest concerns leading up to the World Cup was the form of Mustafizur Rahman, who had been struggling in the format.

But four matches into the global tournament, Mustafiz has slowly been finding his groove as the bowler has been economical throughout the tournament.

The wicket tally is still pretty bleak for the Fizz as he has only picked up two, but his economy in this World Cup has been astonishing as he has gone for only 5.58 runs per over so far.

He conceded only 20 runs against Netherlands, which consisted of 14 dot balls among his 24. Against South Africa, where all the bowlers were smashed all around the park as the Proteas put on 205-5, Mustafiz only conceded 25 in his four overs.

And against Zimbabwe, he was spectacular. Not only did he give away just 15 runs, but he got the prized wicket of Sikandar Raza along with Milton Shumba which helped Bangladesh gain a crucial win.

While he was a little expensive considering his standards this World Cup against India, he still bowled well and in his final over (18th of the innings), he gave away just seven when India were trying to accelerate.

Before the World Cup, Bangladesh fast-bowling coach Allan Donald told The Business Post that Mustafiz’s off-form was a bit of a phase, and he would come through it.

“Sometimes when you go through a phase where you just don’t get it right, you don’t quite have the trust. It’s nothing to do with his ability, it may be just a little bit about a lack of confidence.

“I have every bit of trust in Mustafizur. I think he is a wonderful bowler. And I know he has been working hard. I have been in contact with him. I don’t think we should all panic and go, ‘oh well, he has lost his ability’. It’s nothing technically. It’s just a little bit of a phase. It’s for him to now work doubly hard to gain back that confidence,” Donald said in an interview.

Mustafiz has seemingly brought some changes to his action too. He was not involved in the tri-series in New Zealand following the first match, and in that time, it seems the pacer made his action more straight-on, which has seemingly helped him regain some form.

Bangladesh will hope Mustafiz follows a similar path against Pakistan, and this time around, they will hope for a few more wickets.