Mashrafe bin Mortaza, who returned to the national side after almost a year in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand, has so far been impressive and his presence has given the Bangladesh bowling the edge it has so often lacked with the new ball and in the pace department.
The 30-year old, who has 162 wickets in 129 ODI matches, has been beleaguered with injuries and undergone no less than 11 surgical operations on his legs. Most recently, an ankle injury kept him out of the national side but his much awaited return in Tuesday’s match against the Kiwis was greeted with a roar of support from the crowd at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
It was Mash who took the first wicket for Bangladesh in yesterday’s second ODI as he bowled Hamish Rutherford in the third over of the match and he came back later to get a crucial breakthrough in the 27th over by removing the dangerous Corey Anderson for 37 and breaking a promising 61 run stand. He came back later at the death to take another wicket and eventually had figures of 3/43.
Earlier Mashrafe had scored 14 quick runs at the tail end of the Bangladesh innings from just eight balls, with two fours and six. He opened Bangladesh’s attack afterwards and started with an immaculate maiden to get the Tigers defence off to a good start.
Though Rubel Hossain stole the limelight on Tuesday with a six wicket haul, Mashrafe played his part too. Displaying pinpoint accuracy, the veteran paceman conceded just 3.33 runs an over as he kept the Kiwi batsman in check.
Furthermore, Mashrafe demonstrated his commitment in the field as he threw himself all over the park to save crucial runs and took a brilliant catch to dismiss Grant Elliot and give Rubel his sixth wicket, which ironically, resulted in Rubel matching Mashrafe’s record best figures for Bangladesh of 6/26.