Kiwis aim to do something different to defuse Mustafizur

DHAKA — Knowing that their success against Bangladesh largely depend on how they could defuse Mustafizur Rahman-effect in the upcoming five-match T20 International series, New Zealand vowed to do something different against the pacer.

Mustafizur currently has been a form of his life as he dismantled Australia almost single-handedly in the last bilateral T20 series here.

The Fizz as he was adorably called might get just seven wickets in five matches but his economy rate was shed under three, which was the testament of how unplayable he was. In two consecutive matches, he conceded just 9 runs in four overs to help Bangladesh defend some low totals to win the game.

The wicket in Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium though played well to his strength—cutter and slower-- he also showed his panache to take his game to the next level.

New Zealand stand-in coach Glenn Pocknall knew that they couldn’t neutralize Mustafizur effect in traditional way as the wicket played to his strength and so they aimed to do something different to put the bowler under pressure.

“He (Mustafizur) bowled outstandingly well. It was pretty special to watch how well he executed his deliveries,” Pocknall said.

“I think he (Mustafizur) is a threat as much as the other Bangladesh players. We have had a good look at him and discussed how we feel we can target him. But it comes down to how we can execute it in the games. Trying to put him under pressure and do something different is the aim against him.”

Pocknall also suggested that Colin de Grandhome, who is the most experienced player in the largely inexperienced side would have to take the onus to show the way the young players in the tough condition in Bangladesh.

“He (Colin de Grandhome) is a very experienced T20 player. He will be a big part of our side with bat, ball and using his experience to help lot of the inexperience players. We will look at him to help guys in certain situations. We expect him to put his best foot forward as a player. He is a quality T20 player.”

Pocknall, who has had tremendous success with Wellington Firebirds, was appointed as Gary Stead's replacement for the T20Is in Bangladesh and ODIs in Pakistan before Shane Jurgensen takes over for the Pakistan T20Is.

He said he wants to help the side achieve the success even though Bangladesh’s condition looked extremely tough.

“I recalled the story with the players in our first team meeting. I was at the indoor centre in Wellington when I got a call. I was pretty shocked and overwhelmed. It was totally out of the blue. I spoke to my partner when I got home. I got excited very quickly. As much as I have always wanted to coach the Black Caps, it wasn’t something in the front of my mind. I am very proud and privileged to be working here with this great bunch of guys,” he said of his appointment.

“It is a combination of both. Using the data to get some information to discuss plans and have conversations. But also in the back of your mind, have the ability to change if that’s required in a match situation. Data gives you a snapshot of history. It is important as cricket is a number’s game. At the same time, the beauty of the game is that conditions and oppositions can change. Sometimes you need to adapt and change on the fly,” he added.BSS