Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz credited his fast bowlers for transforming the team’s fortunes in their 2-1 ODI series victory over New Zealand, highlighting their impact after an opening defeat.
After going down by 26 runs in the first match, Bangladesh bounced back strongly, with their pace attack playing a decisive role across the remaining games.
Fast Bowlers Lead the Fightback
Nahid Rana set the tone in the second ODI with figures of 5 for 32, dismantling New Zealand and restricting them to 198. In the series decider in Chattogram, Mustafizur Rahman delivered a match-winning 5 for 43, helping defend 265 on a batting-friendly surface.
Shoriful Islam, drafted in at the last minute for the opening game, maintained consistency throughout the series, while Taskin Ahmed contributed effectively, particularly at the death in the first match.
Together, Bangladesh’s seamers collected 22 wickets in the series — the highest tally by their pace unit in a bilateral ODI series. The wickets were shared across the attack, with Rana taking eight, Mustafizur and Shoriful five each, Taskin three, and Soumya Sarkar one. This surpassed the previous mark of 21 set against India in 2015.
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Mustafizur Delivers in Decider
Mustafizur’s performance in the final ODI was particularly notable, especially after he was only just cleared to play following a knee issue.
“He had an extraordinary performance today. Mustafiz is a great bowler who wins us many matches from difficult situations,” Mehidy said. “Having such a player helps the team in any tough situation. I have been seeing him for the last ten years so I feel confident when I see the ball in his hand in crisis moments.”
Rana Emerges as Key Asset
While Mustafizur provided experience, Rana’s rise has added a new dimension to Bangladesh’s attack. He has now taken 16 wickets across his last two ODI series and also impressed in PSL 2026 with seven wickets in four matches.
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“Nahid Rana is definitely a big asset for the Bangladesh team,” Mehidy said. “We will all try to take care of him, but the big advantage is how he is maintaining himself. The way he has bowled in the last two series, he gives the team great momentum. I think he can win many more matches for Bangladesh if he continues to bowl this way.”
Mehidy also pointed to Rana’s pace as a crucial factor in shifting pressure onto opponents.
“I think it is a blessing that he regularly hits the 145-150kph mark. It puts a lot of extra pressure on the opposition,” Mehidy said. “It is tough to handle his pace if you are looking to score quickly, while also trying not to get out. He bowls at high speeds from the beginning of his spell to the end. It is a great achievement. The most important thing is that he is very confident on the field. Whenever I tell him to bowl, he tells me that he will do well. This is a huge relief as a captain.”
Shoriful Impresses After Late Call-Up
Shoriful’s contribution was equally significant, given the circumstances of his inclusion. He was brought into the XI moments before the first ODI after Mustafizur’s injury forced a late change, delaying the toss.
“It is very difficult for a player to play an international match after a long break,” Mehidy said. “Shoriful was playing after more than a year when Mustafiz got injured in the first match. Actually the toss nearly took place but we had the opportunity to pick him. It could be so difficult for a player in that situation, to play all of a sudden.
“But the way he adjusted and bowled well in that match, it was very impressive. He went on to bowl well in all three matches. If everyone keeps performing like this and if everyone has that desire to perform, I think it is very good for the team.”
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Pace Unit Driving Bangladesh Forward
Bangladesh’s fast-bowling group has now established itself as a consistent strength, both at home and abroad. However, Mehidy suggested that this strength is not always fully reflected in conditions prepared for the team.
“Our pace unit is bowling very well for a few years now,” Mehidy said. “They have been consistent over a long period of time. They have won us many matches both at home and abroad. The pace bowlers helped us beat South Africa in their backyard (in 2022). I think if a team has a good pace unit, the momentum changes.”
