Pakistan has a rich pace-bowling history, but Bangladesh’s bowlers shouldn’t be underestimated. Pakistan’s white-ball coach, Aqib Javed, acknowledges the skill of Bangladesh’s seamers, including Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Tanzim Hasan. Despite being out of the tournament, Bangladesh’s bowling unit is reportedly their best ever, bolstered by their experience with the Dukes ball in domestic cricket. Both teams are looking for improvement after losing two matches. While this final encounter may be inconsequential, it serves as a crucial opportunity for players to showcase their abilities and learn from past mistakes.
Pakistan possesses a long-standing and diverse tradition in pace bowling. However, the Bangladeshi bowlers should not be underestimated this Thursday.
Considering that Jasprit Bumrah is often regarded as the premier white-ball bowler globally (even though he is absent from this tournament), and that Sri Lanka boasts a depth in their pace attack like never before (despite their own absence), South Asia is witnessing an unprecedented phase for fast bowling.
Bangladesh has four formidable pace options. Nahid Rana stands out as the tallest, quickest, and youngest among them. Taskin Ahmed, who has revitalized his performance over recent years, offers experience. Mustafizur Rahman brings a unique left-arm angle and diversity. Meanwhile, Tanzim Hasan contributes with his control and energy.
This could be the strongest seam-bowling lineup Bangladesh has ever fielded in a tournament, although their batsmen have struggled to put up sufficient runs to truly assert themselves. However, with a bit of luck from the weather, Thursday might present a chance for change. Coach Javed is certainly not underestimating Bangladesh’s fast bowlers.
In fact, they had previously performed well in Rawalpindi last year during a Test match, collectively taking seven wickets in a victory for Bangladesh.
“I observed Bangladesh’s fast bowlers against Pakistan here, and the way they bowled in the West Indies, and I perceive them to be quite skilled,” Javed remarked. “Nahid Rana, in particular, possesses both height and speed. Taskin is a highly skilled bowler. Then we have Mustafiz, who comes with extensive experience and a variety of deliveries. I’m pleased to see Bangladeshi fast bowlers excelling.”
Bangladesh’s assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin concurred on the strength of the country’s pace-bowling resources. This improvement is partly attributable to the transition to Dukes balls in domestic cricket over recent seasons. The Dukes ball, with its pronounced seam, tends to maintain its integrity longer during innings, promoting fast bowling. Salahuddin expressed enthusiasm for the possibility of more Bangladeshi quicks advancing into international cricket.
“We now have an abundance of fast bowlers in Bangladesh who are capable of performing on the international stage,” he stated. “We have emerging young talents as well. This is a positive indicator that our fast bowlers can make an impact on these flat pitches. I believe Taskin, Rana, and Mustafiz represent our finest bowling attack. They are evolving, and I hope they will one day lead in world cricket.”
Even though both Bangladesh and Pakistan have lost their matches thus far and are eliminated from the tournament, Salahuddin mentioned there remains much to gain from this final game.
“While this is a dead rubber with no stakes for either team, we are here for the tournament, and this is our last game. We aim to see our players excel. There is significant room for improvement, and we want to avoid repeating our prior mistakes. Every match holds importance for the players. It could be a pivotal moment for an individual player or the team as a whole. Although this tournament may conclude here, the players have promising futures ahead.”
Andrew Fidel Fernando is a senior writer at ESPNcricinfo. @afidelf