Bangladesh skipper Mortaza counting on pace sensation M Rahman to deliver in Asia Cup T20

THE MEN IN BLUE will take on the hosts Bangladesh in the opening match of the Asia Cup T20 in Dhaka in the next few hours. And, the Indian team will be wary of the threat the upcoming sensation Mustafizur Rahman can pose in tonight’s game. 

The rookie pacer shot to fame in the bilateral series against the Indians a year ago and played a vital role in helping his home team win the series. Today, Rahman is one of the leading strike bowlers for the Bangla Tigers and it will be interesting to see how the marquee Indian batsmen play the talented pacer. 

Bangladesh’s captain Mashrafe Mortaza has already spread out the warning sign to the Indians before the start of the match. As reported by PTI, Mortaza said, 

"Mustafiz (that's how Mashrafe refers to him) has many variations of his slow cutters. It is only important as to how confident he is about the execution part. He does he not focus on opposition batsmen and only concentrates on what he knows
best. You can do your homework against Mustafiz but it might not work,"

For all the success the 20-year-old bowler has received over the past year, Rahman remains a grounded individual and Mortaza further added that his ability to block out all the external factors from him mind helps him deliver the goods on the cricket field. 

"Mustafiz doesn't think about all things like what all is said about him. So, as a captain, it is easier for me to guide a boy who has no inclination towards all these external factors. And since he does not really care, it does not put him under any sort of pressure. I think Mustafiz is diametrically opposite of what people perceive him to be as he has got so much success so early in his career. What he does is to go out there and play and come back. But, at the same time, what he is capable of is something others may not be capable of.” 

However, Mortaza understands that his team will be up against a very formidable Indian team and feels that the hosts need to be on top of their game to come out trumps. 

“India's batting is a challenge for all formats. So, we have that challenge, but we have to play very confidently, without any fear, with freedom. We are very confident we will do our best."