After rather an inconsistent start to his international career, MOHAMMAD MAHMUDULLAH is now beginning to fulfil the promise he had exhibited at the youth level. The Mymensingh-born right-handed all-rounder has emerged as an automatic choice in the Bangladesh line-up in all three formats.

His cover-driving of fast bowlers is a treat to watch and such has been Mahmudullah’s form that he has been occupying the crucial No.4 slot in the Bangladesh batting order in recent matches. And if the Bangladeshis succeed in giving a improved show at the mega event, then Mahmudullah definitely will play a big part on that front. A handy off-spinner, he provides his country extra bowling option, something found a rarity in Bangladesh cricket since their debut.

SAMIULLAH SHENWARI

If Afghanistan are dreaming of making immediate impact at the 2015 World Cup then SAMIULLAH SHENWARI is the man the debutants will be relying on heavily. The guy is known as the energy provider and was their star when the Afghans stunned Bangladesh in the 2014 Asia Cup game in Dhaka.

A bubbly character on cricket field as reflected in his bowling style, his leg-spin consists of a bagful of variations. But as the time went by, Samiullah has proved his worth as a reliable middle-order batsman.

Samiullah bats in an unorthodox fashion and nobody hits the ball harder in the Afghan line-up than this 28-year-old. Like his batting and bowling, he excels as a fielder in the point region.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Ireland need to be recognised now. It’s about time. Otherwise they’ll keep losing cricketers. [Eoin] Morgan left Ireland to play for England because he saw brighter prospects.”— West Indies great Michael Holding on granting Ireland Test status in wake of their stunning victory over the Islanders.

STAT OF THE DAY

4 — The number of golden ducks during Scotland’s innings, the first such instance in World Cups. There have been two previous instances of four golden ducks in a One-day International innings — Sri Lanka against Pakistan in a tri-series fixture in Jamshedpur in March 1999, while Pakistan suffered a similar fate against England at The Oval in June 2003.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2015

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