‘Fazle Mahmud is a complete package’

DHAKA: Fazle Mahmud’s evolved batting was the main reason behind his selection in Bangladesh’s ODI squad for the three-match series against Zimbabwe, according to selector Habibul Bashar.

Bashar said that Mahmud has become a far more stable batsman in the last three years, having begun as a big-hitter many years ago.

“He started as a flamboyant, aggressive batsman in his early days, but I have noticed in the Ireland tour that he can bat according to the team’s needs,” Bashar said.

“He is now a complete batsman, which had a big influence in his selection. He is also a good fielder and bowls spin, a complete package,” he said.

Mohammad Saifuddin, the other new inclusion in the ODI side was a slightly more experimental pick, according to Bashar.

“We have been looking for a bowling all-rounder at No. 7 in the Zimbabwe ODI series,” Bashar said.

“[Soumya Sarkar and Ariful] are batting all-rounders We picked Saifuddin because he is a bowler who can contribute with the bat,” he added.