Coach told me to enjoy ODI debut: Bangladesh all-rounder Mosaddek

Bangladesh youngster Mosaddek Hossain has said the advice by coach Chandika Hathurusingha helped him perform well under pressure on his One-Day International (ODI) debut against Afghanistan recently.

When the 20-year-old all-rounder walked in to bat in the second match of the series on September 28, Bangladesh were reeling at 138/5 while batting first.

But Mosaddek showed temperament beyond his years and carried his team past 200 with an unbeaten run-a-ball 45 on a slow wicket at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium here.

Afghanistan won the match by two wickets, chasing down a target of 209 runs with two balls left, to square the three-match series 1-1.

"The coach told me before the debut match -- 'It's your first match, don't worry about your performance. Just play your natural game and enjoy the game," Mosaddek revealed to reporters on Monday.

"I tried to do exactly that," he added.

Mosaddek later showcased his skills with the ball by becoming the first Bangladesh bowler to grab a wicket with his first ball on ODI debut. He returned with figures of 2/30 from 10 overs.

He took a wicket in the series decider on Saturday, which Bangladesh won by 141 runs to clinch the series 2-1, though he got out prematurely for just 4.

"I actually got called up to the team as an all-rounder. Batting was the first part, bowling was the next," Mosaddek said.

In both the matches, Mosaddek batted at No.7 position. He had handed his club Abahani several victories in the last Dhaka Premier League batting down the order -- which ultimately earned him a place in the ODI squad.

The right-hander said that when he did well in the domestic league, he had predicted he might have to bat lower down the order if he played for the national team.

Also, the presence of Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan in the middle order pushed him down several spots.

But he has no qualms about his current position.

"I was mentally prepared that I would have to bat in the lower order. The team comes first to me. I will bat wherever the team wants me to," he said.

Having been able to carry his confidence from domestic cricket into the national team, Mosaddek is delighted that he has got a good start.

The buoyant youngster now believes the promising start has boosted his confidence and geared him up for international cricket.

--IANS

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