Former India spinner Piyush Chawla has applauded veteran Bangaldesh batter Mushfiqur Rahim for playing a well-planned knock in Bangladesh’s Asia Cup 2023 Super Four clash against Pakistan. Mushfiqur scored 64 off 87 deliveries as Bangladesh were bowled out for 193 after opting to bat first in Lahore on Wednesday, September 6. However, the below-par target proved easy for Pakistan as they registered a seven-wicket win with 63 deliveries to spare.

During a discussion on Star Sports, Chawla said: “He is an experienced batter. He took his time at the start because he knew that it was essential to spend time in the middle. If he hadn’t spent time, Bangladesh wouldn’t have even reached the position they did. When you are 47/4, the opposing team thinks 120-130, especially when they know that there isn’t much depth in batting, but he played a good knock. He didn’t allow Shadab the chance to settle because of the sweep shots he played.”

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However, Chawla further added that spinners don’t like batters playing the sweep shot as well. He stated that Shadab Khan was forced to alter his length because of those sweep shots. And, Sanjay Bangar feels Mushfiqur Rahim’s short height aids him in playing the sweep and cut shots as well.

“He is a short-statured player and because such players don’t have that much reach, the sweep shot probably becomes easier for them because spinners bowl most of their deliveries on the good length. Not only the sweep, they also play the cut shot very well. I feel he knows his game very well. He showed different types of initial movements against the pace bowlers during his innings. So overall, the role a competitive player plays at No. 5 or No. 6, Mushfiqur Rahim performed that role very well,” he concluded.