Tigers off-spinner Nayeem Hasan marked his return with an impressive performance as the youngster picked up six wickets to restrict Sri Lanka just below 400 on a solid batting track.
Nayeem was in his element on both the morning sessions of this match so far as he initiated double strikes in Bangladesh’s hour of need and got his side back into the contest.
The tall spinner achieved career best figure in Sri Lanka’s first innings, which read 30-4-105-6.
It was a great comeback for the young tweaker as he was struggling a bit in recent months with injury and off-form.
Nayeem made his debut against the West Indies in Chittagong back in 2018.
He last played against the Windies in Mirpur in 2021 before being dropped.
It went from bad to worse as he got injured before losing his central contract as well.
Recently he was selected for the Bangladesh Tigers camp, a brainchild of Bangladesh Cricket Board drawn up to help players who are out of national team contention due to lack of form.
“I was not in the squad in the last two series. I was injured, then I played in the BCL (Bangladesh Cricket League) and BPL (Bangladesh Premier League). Then I was included in the Bangladesh Tigers camp. Sohel (Islam) sir helped me there. I have worked with him on what type of improvement I need. Also worked on various match situations. Then I tried to improve those areas. Then when I was selected for Bangladesh, our national team spin bowling coach Rangana Herath told me to focus on line and length. How I can improve in those areas…that also helped,” Nayeem said at the press conference.
“It is really a hard time for a player when one gets injured. But I tried to motivate myself and adjust myself with the situation. After my treatment, I just practiced well and was trying to prepare myself well. So that whenever a call-up comes, I can be in good shape.
“When I heard (Mehedi Hasan) Miraz bhai got injured, then I felt bad. Because he has been playing really well recently. My plan was just to give my 100% effort for the team. Whatever the result may be, I just have to ensure that I have given my 100% effort, that’s it.”
